Digital camera with integrated inkjet printer having removable cartridge containing ink and media substrate

ABSTRACT

A digital camera for use with a media cartridge with a supply of media substrate, and an information store with information about the media substrate. The camera has an image sensor for capturing an image,
         an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor and transmitting processed data to a printhead, and a cartridge interface for accessing the information such that the image processor can utilize the information relating to the media substrate.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/112,743 filed on Jul. 10, 1998, now issued U.S. Pat. No.6,727,951.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to digital cameras and in particular, theonboard processing of image data captured by the camera.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, digital cameras have become increasingly popular. Thesecameras normally operate by means of imaging a desired image utilising acharge coupled device (CCD) array and storing the imaged scene on anelectronic storage medium for later down loading onto a computer systemfor subsequent manipulation and printing out. Normally, when utilising acomputer system to print out an image, sophisticated software mayavailable to manipulate the image in accordance with requirements.

Unfortunately such systems require significant post processing of acaptured image and normally present the image in an orientation to whichit was taken, relying on the post processing process to perform anynecessary or required modifications of the captured image. Also, much ofthe environmental information available when the picture was taken islost. Furthermore, the type or size of the media substrate and the typesof ink used to print the image can also affect the image quality.Accounting for these factors during post processing of the capturedimage data can be complex and time consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a digital camera for usewith a media cartridge comprising a supply of media substrate on whichimages can be printed, and an information store with informationrelating to the media substrate, the camera comprising:

an image sensor for capturing an image;

an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor andtransmitting processed data to a printhead; and,

a cartridge interface for accessing the information such that the imageprocessor can utilise the information relating to the media substrate.

The camera accesses information about the media substrate so that theimage processor can utilise the information to enhance the quality ofthe printed image.

Preferably, the media substrate has postcard formatting printed on itsreverse surface so that the camera can produce personalised postcards,and the information store has the dimensions of the postcard formattingto allow the image processor to align printed images with the postcardformatting.

In a further preferred form the cartridge further comprises an inksupply for the printhead and the information store is an authenticationchip that allows the image processor to confirm that the media substrateand the ink supply is suitable for use with the camera.

According to a related aspect, there is provided a digital camera forsensing and storing an image, the camera comprising:

an image sensor with a charge coupled device (CCD) for capturing imagedata relating to a sensed image, and an auto exposure setting foradjusting the image data captured by the CCD in response to the lightingconditions at image capture; and,

an image processor for processing image data from the CCD and storingthe processed data; wherein,

the image processor is adapted to use information from the auto exposuresetting relating to the lighting conditions at image capture whenprocessing the image data from the CCD.

Utilising the auto exposure setting to determine an advantageousre-mapping of colours within the image allows the processor to producean amended image having colours within an image transformed to accountof the auto exposure setting. The processing can comprise re-mappingimage colours so they appear deeper and richer when the exposure settingindicates low light conditions and re-mapping image colours to bebrighter and more saturated when the auto exposure setting indicatesbright light conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of thepresent invention, preferred forms of the invention will now bedescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an Artcam device constructed in accordance with thepreferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the main Artcam electroniccomponents.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the Artcam Central Processor.

FIG. 4 illustrates the method of operation of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a form of print roll ready for purchase by aconsumer;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view, partly in section, of analternative form of a print roll;

FIG. 7 is a left side exploded perspective view of the print roll ofFIG. 6; and,

FIG. 8 is a right side exploded perspective view of a single print roll.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The digital image processing camera system constructed in accordancewith the preferred embodiment is as illustrated in FIG. 1. The cameraunit 1 includes means for the insertion of an integral print roll (notshown). The camera unit 1 can include an area image sensor 2 whichsensors an image 3 for captured by the camera. Optionally, the secondarea image sensor can be provided to also image the scene 3 and tooptionally provide for the production of stereographic output effects.

The camera 1 can include an optional color display 5 for the display ofthe image being sensed by the sensor 2. When a simple image is beingdisplayed on the display 5, the button 6 can be depressed resulting inthe printed image 8 being output by the camera unit 1. A series ofcards, herein after known as “Artcards” 9 contain, on one surfaceencoded information and on the other surface, contain an image distortedby the particular effect produced by the Artcard 9. The Artcard 9 isinserted in an Artcard reader 10 in the side of camera 1 and, uponinsertion, results in output image 8 being distorted in the same manneras the distortion appearing on the surface of Artcard 9. Hence, by meansof this simple user interface a user wishing to produce a particulareffect can insert one of many Artcards 9 into the Artcard reader 10 andutilize button 19 to take a picture of the image 3 resulting in acorresponding distorted output image 8.

The camera unit 1 can also include a number of other control button 13,14 in addition to a simple LCD output display 15 for the display ofinformative information including the number of printouts left on theinternal print roll on the camera unit. Additionally, different outputformats can be controlled by CHP switch 17.

Turning now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a schematic view of theinternal hardware of the camera unit 1. The internal hardware is basedaround an Artcam central processor unit (ACP) 31.

Artcam Central Processor 31

The Artcam central processor 31 provides many functions which form the‘heart’ of the system. The ACP 31 is preferably implemented as acomplex, high speed, CMOS system on-a-chip. Utilising standard celldesign with some full custom regions is recommended. Fabrication on a0.25 μl CMOS process will provide the density and speed required, alongwith a reasonably small die area.

The functions provided by the ACP 31 include:

1. Control and digitization of the area image sensor 2. A 3Dstereoscopic version of the ACP requires two area image sensorinterfaces with a second optional image sensor 4 being provided forstereoscopic effects.

2. Area image sensor compensation, reformatting, and image enhancement.

3. Memory interface and management to a memory store 33.

4. Interface, control, and analog to digital conversion of an Artcardreader linear image sensor 34 which is provided for the reading of datafrom the Artcards 9.

5. Extraction of the raw Artcard data from the digitized and encodedArtcard image.

6. Reed-Solomon error detection and correction of the Artcard encodeddata. The encoded surface of the Artcard 9 includes information on howto process an image to produce the effects displayed on the imagedistorted surface of the Artcard 9. This information is in the form of ascript, hereinafter known as a “Vark script”. The Vark script isutilised by an interpreter running within the ACP 31 to produce thedesired effect.

7. Interpretation of the Vark script on the Artcard 9.

8. Performing image processing operations as specified by the Varkscript.

9. Controlling various motors for the paper transport 36, zoom lens 38,autofocus 39 and Artcard driver 37.

10. Controlling a guillotine actuator 40 for the operation of aguillotine 41 for the cutting of photographs 8 from print roll 42.

11. Half-toning of the image data for printing.

12. Providing the print data to a print-head 44 at the appropriatetimes.

13. Controlling the print head 44.

14. Controlling the ink pressure feed to print-head 44.

15. Controlling optional flash unit 56.

16. Reading and acting on various sensors in the camera, includingcamera orientation sensor 46, autofocus 47 and Artcard insertion sensor49.

17. Reading and acting on the user interface buttons 6, 13, 14.

18. Controlling the status display 15.

19. Providing viewfinder and preview images to the color display 5.

20. Control of the system power consumption, including the ACP powerconsumption via power management circuit 51.

21. Providing external communications 52 to general purpose computers(using part USB).

22. Reading and storing information in a printing roll authenticationchip 53.

23. Reading and storing information in a camera authentication chip 54.

24. Communicating with an optional mini-keyboard 57 for textmodification.

Quartz Crystal 58

A quartz crystal 58 is used as a frequency reference for the systemclock. As the system clock is very high, the ACP 31 includes a phaselocked loop clock circuit to increase the frequency derived from thecrystal 58.

Image Sensing

Area Image Sensor 2

The area image sensor 2 converts an image through its lens into anelectrical signal. It can either be a charge coupled device (CCD) or anactive pixel sensor (APS) CMOS image sector. At present, available CCD'snormally have a higher image quality, however, there is currently muchdevelopment occurring in CMOS imagers. CMOS imagers are eventuallyexpected to be substantially cheaper than CCD's have smaller pixelareas, and be able to incorporate drive circuitry and signal processing.They can also be made in CMOS fabs, which are transitioning to 12″wafers. CCD's are usually built in 6″ wafer fabs, and economics may notallow a conversion to 12″ fabs. Therefore, the difference in fabricationcost between CCD's and CMOS imagers is likely to increase, progressivelyfavoring CMOS imagers. However, at present, a CCD is probably the bestoption.

The Artcam unit will produce suitable results with a 1,500×1,000 areaimage sensor. However, smaller sensors, such as 750×500, will beadequate for many markets. The Artcam is less sensitive to image sensorresolution than are conventional digital cameras. This is because manyof the styles contained on Artcards 9 process the image in such a way asto obscure the lack of resolution. For example, if the image isdistorted to simulate the effect of being converted to animpressionistic painting, low source image resolution can be used withminimal effect. Further examples for which low resolution input imageswill typically not be noticed include image warps which produce highdistorted images, multiple miniature copies of the of the image (eg.passport photos), textural processing such as bump mapping for a baserelief metal look, and photo-compositing into structured scenes.

This tolerance of low resolution image sensors may be a significantfactor in reducing the manufacturing cost of an Artcam unit 1 camera. AnArtcam with a low cost 750×500 image sensor will often produce superiorresults to a conventional digital camera with a much more expensive1,500×1,000 image sensor.

Optional Stereoscopic 3D Image Sensor 4

The 3D versions of the Artcam unit 1 have an additional image sensor 4,for stereoscopic operation. This image sensor is identical to the mainimage sensor. The circuitry to drive the optional image sensor may beincluded as a standard part of the ACP chip 31 to reduce incrementaldesign cost. Alternatively, a separate 3D Artcam ACP can be designed.This option will reduce the manufacturing cost of a mainstream singlesensor Artcam.

Print Roll Authentication Chip 53

A small chip 53 is included in each print roll 42. This chip replacedthe functions of the bar code, optical sensor and wheel, and ISO/ASAsensor on other forms of camera film units such as Advanced PhotoSystems film cartridges.

The authentication chip also provides other features:

1. The storage of data rather than that which is mechanically andoptically sensed from APS rolls

2. A remaining media length indication, accurate to high resolution.

3. Authentication Information to prevent inferior clone print rollcopies.

The authentication chip 53 contains 1024 bits of Flash memory, of which128 bits is an authentication key, and 512 bits is the authenticationinformation. Also included is an encryption circuit to ensure that theauthentication key cannot be accessed directly.

Print-Head 44

The Artcam unit 1 can utilize any color print technology which is smallenough, low enough power, fast enough, high enough quality, and lowenough cost, and is compatible with the print roll. Relevant printheadswill be specifically discussed hereinafter.

The specifications of the ink jet head are:

Image type Bi-level, dithered Color CMY Process Color Resolution 1600dpi Print head length ‘Page-width’ (100 mm) Print speed 2 seconds perphotoOptional Ink Pressure Controller (not Shown)

The function of the ink pressure controller depends upon the type of inkjet print head 44 incorporated in the Artcam. For some types of ink jet,the use of an ink pressure controller can be eliminated, as the inkpressure is simply atmospheric pressure. Other types of print headrequire a regulated positive ink pressure. In this case, the in pressurecontroller consists of a pump and pressure transducer.

Other print heads may require an ultrasonic transducer to cause regularoscillations in the ink pressure, typically at frequencies around 100KHz. In the case, the ACP 31 controls the frequency phase and amplitudeof these oscillations.

Paper Transport Motor 36

The paper transport motor 36 moves the paper from within the print roll42 past the print head at a relatively constant rate. The motor 36 is aminiature motor geared down to an appropriate speed to drive rollerswhich move the paper. A high quality motor and mechanical gears arerequired to achieve high image quality, as mechanical rumble or othervibrations will affect the printed dot row spacing.

Paper Transport Motor Driver 60

The motor driver 60 is a small circuit which amplifies the digital motorcontrol signals from the APC 31 to levels suitable for driving the motor36.

Paper Pull Sensor

A paper pull sensor 50 detects a user's attempt to pull a photo from thecamera unit during the printing process. The APC 31 reads this sensor50, and activates the guillotine 41 if the condition occurs. The paperpull sensor 50 is incorporated to make the camera more ‘foolproof’ inoperation. Were the user to pull the paper out forcefully duringprinting, the print mechanism 44 or print roll 42 may (in extreme cases)be damaged. Since it is acceptable to pull out the ‘pod’ from a Polaroidtype camera before it is fully ejected, the public has been ‘trained’ todo this. Therefore, they are unlikely to heed printed instructions notto pull the paper.

The Artcam preferably restarts the photo print process after theguillotine 41 has cut the paper after pull sensing.

The pull sensor can be implemented as a strain gauge sensor, or as anoptical sensor detecting a small plastic flag which is deflected by thetorque that occurs on the paper drive rollers when the paper is pulled.The latter implementation is recommendation for low cost.

Paper Guillotine Actuator 40

The paper guillotine actuator 40 is a small actuator which causes theguillotine 41 to cut the paper either at the end of a photograph, orwhen the paper pull sensor 50 is activated.

The guillotine actuator 40 is a small circuit which amplifies aguillotine control signal from the APC tot the level required by theactuator 41.

Artcard 9

The Artcard 9 is a program storage medium for the Artcam unit. As notedpreviously, the programs are in the form of Vark scripts. Vark is apowerful image processing language especially developed for the Artcamunit. Each Artcard 9 contains one Vark script, and thereby defines oneimage processing style.

Preferably, the VARK language is highly image processing specific. Bybeing highly image processing specific, the amount of storage requiredto store the details on the card are substantially reduced. Further, theease with which new programs can be created, including enhanced effects,is also substantially increased. Preferably, the language includesfacilities for handling many image processing functions including imagewarping via a warp map, convolution, color lookup tables, posterizing animage, adding noise to an image, image enhancement filters, paintingalgorithms, brush jittering and manipulation edge detection filters,tiling, illumination via light sources, bump maps, text, face detectionand object detection attributes, fonts, including three dimensionalfonts, and arbitrary complexity pre-rendered icons. Further details ofthe operation of the Vark language interpreter are containedhereinafter.

Hence, by utilizing the language constructs as defined by the createdlanguage, new affects on arbitrary images can be created and constructedfor inexpensive storage on Artcard and subsequent distribution to cameraowners. Further, on one surface of the card can be provided an exampleillustrating the effect that a particular VARK script, stored on theother surface of the card, will have on an arbitrary captured image.

By utilizing such a system, camera technology can be distributed withouta great fear of obsolescence in that, provided a VARK interpreter isincorporated in the camera device, a device independent scenario isprovided whereby the underlying technology can be completely varied overtime. Further, the VARK scripts can be updated as new filters arecreated and distributed in an inexpensive manner, such as via simplecards for card reading.

The Artcard 9 is a piece of thin white plastic with the same format as acredit card (86 mm long by 54 mm wide). The Artcard is printed on bothsides using a high resolution ink jet printer. The inkjet printertechnology is assumed to be the same as that used in the Artcam, with1600 dpi (63 dpmm) resolution. A major feature of the Artcard 9 is lowmanufacturing cost. Artcards can be manufactured at high speeds as awide web of plastic film. The plastic web is coated on both sides with ahydrophilic dye fixing layer. The web is printed simultaneously on bothsides using a ‘pagewidth’ color ink jet printer. The web is then cut andpunched into individual cards. On one face of the card is printed ahuman readable representation of the effect the Artcard 9 will have onthe sensed image. This can be simply a standard image which has beenprocessed using the Vark script stored on the back face of the card.

On the back face of the card is printed an array of dots which can bedecoded into the Vark script that defines the image processing sequence.The print area is 80 mm×50 mm, giving a total of 15,876,000 dots. Thisarray of dots could represent at least 1.89 Mbytes of data. To achievehigh reliability, extensive error detection and correction isincorporated in the array of dots. This allows a substantial portion ofthe card to be defaced, worn, creased, or dirty with no effect on dataintegrity. The data coding used is Reed-Solomon coding, with half of thedata devoted to error correction. This allows the storage of 967 Kbytesof error corrected data on each Artcard 9.

Linear Image Sensor 34

The Artcard linear sensor 34 converts the aforementioned Artcard dataimage to electrical signals. As with the area image sensor 2, 4, thelinear image sensor can be fabricated using either CCD or APS CMOStechnology. The active length of the image sensor 34 is 50 mm, equal tothe width of the data array on the Artcard 9. To satisfy Nyquist'ssampling theorem, the resolution of the linear image sensor 34 must beat least twice the highest spatial frequency of the Artcard opticalimage reaching the image sensor. In practice, data detection is easierif the image sensor resolution is substantially above this. A resolutionof 4800 dpi (189 dpmm) is chosen, giving a total of 9,450 pixels. Thisresolution requires a pixel sensor pitch of 5.3 μm. This can readily beachieved by using four staggered rows of 20 μm pixel sensors.

The linear image sensor is mounted in a special package which includes aLED 65 to illuminate the Artcard 9 via a light-pipe (not shown).

The Artcard reader light-pipe can be a molded light-pipe which hasseveral function:

1. It diffuses the light from the LED over the width of the card usingtotal internal reflection facets.

2. It focuses the light onto a 16 μm wide strip of the Artcard 9 usingan integrated cylindrical lens.

3. It focuses light reflected from the Artcard onto the linear imagesensor pixels using a molded array of microlenses.

The operation of the Artcard reader is explained further hereinafter.

Artcard Reader Motor 37

The Artcard reader motor propels the Artcard past the linear imagesensor 34 at a relatively constant rate. As it may not be cost effectiveto include extreme precision mechanical components in the Artcardreader, the motor 37 is a standard miniature motor geared down to anappropriate speed to drive a pair of rollers which move the Artcard 9.The speed variations, rumble, and other vibrations will affect the rawimage data as circuitry within the APC 31 includes extensivecompensation for these effects to reliably read the Artcard data.

The motor 37 is driven in reverse when the Artcard is to be ejected.

Artcard Motor Driver 61

The Artcard motor driver 61 is a small circuit which amplifies thedigital motor control signals from the APC 31 to levels suitable fordriving the motor 37.

Card Insertion Sensor 49

The card insertion sensor 49 is an optical sensor which detects thepresence of a card as it is being inserted in the card reader 34. Upon asignal from this sensor 49, the APC 31 initiates the card readingprocess, including the activation of the Artcard reader motor 37.

Card Eject Button 16

A card eject button 16 (FIG. 1) is used by the user to eject the currentArtcard, so that another Artcard can be inserted. The APC 31 detects thepressing of the button, and reverses the Artcard reader motor 37 toeject the card.

Card Status Indicator 66

A card status indicator 66 is provided to signal the user as to thestatus of the Artcard reading process. This can be a standard bi-color(red/green) LED. When the card is successfully read, and data integrityhas been verified, the LED lights up green continually. If the card isfaulty, then the LED lights up red.

If the camera is powered from a 1.5 V instead of 3V battery, then thepower supply voltage is less than the forward voltage drop of the greedLED, and the LED will not light. In this case, red LEDs can be used, orthe LED can be powered from a voltage pump which also powers othercircuits in the Artcam which require higher voltage.

64 Mbit DRAM 33

To perform the wide variety of image processing effects, the camerautilizes 8 Mbytes of memory 33. This can be provided by a single 64 Mbitmemory chip. Of course, with changing memory technology increased Dramstorage sizes may be substituted.

High speed access to the memory chip is required. This can be achievedby using a Rambus DRAM (burst access rate of 500 Mbytes per second) orchips using the new open standards such as double data rate (DDR) SDRAMor Synclink DRAM.

Camera Authentication Chip

The camera authentication chip 54 is identical to the print rollauthentication chip 53, except that it has different information storedin it. The camera authentication chip 54 has three main purposes:

1. To provide a secure means of comparing authentication codes with theprint roll authentication chip;

2. To provide storage for manufacturing information, such as the serialnumber of the camera;

3. To provide a small amount of non-volatile memory for storage of userinformation.

Displays

The Artcam includes an optional color display 5 and small status display15. Lowest cost consumer cameras may include a color image display, suchas a small TFT LCD 5 similar to those found on some digital cameras andcamcorders. The color display 5 is a major cost element of theseversions of Artcam, and the display 5 plus back light are a major powerconsumption drain.

Status Display 15

The status display 15 is a small passive segment based LCD, similar tothose currently provided on silver halide and digital cameras. Its mainfunction is to show the number of prints remaining in the print roll 42and icons for various standard camera features, such as flash andbattery status.

Color Display 5

The color display 5 is a full motion image display which operates as aviewfinder, as a verification of the image to be printed, and as a userinterface display. The cost of the display 5 is approximatelyproportional to its area, so large displays (say 4″ diagonal) unit willbe restricted to expensive versions of the Artcam unit. Smallerdisplays, such as color camcorder viewfinder TFT's at around 1″, may beeffective for mid-range Artcams.

Zoom Lens (not Shown)

The Artcam can include a zoom lens. This can be a standardelectronically controlled zoom lens, identical to one which would beused on a standard electronic camera, and similar to pocket camera zoomlenses. A referred version of the Artcam unit may include standardinterchangeable 35 mm SLR lenses.

Autofocus Motor 39

The autofocus motor 39 changes the focus of the zoom lens. The motor isa miniature motor geared down to an appropriate speed to drive theautofocus mechanism.

Autofocus Motor Driver 63

The autofocus motor driver 63 is a small circuit which amplifies thedigital motor control signals from the APC 31 to levels suitable fordriving the motor 39.

Zoom Motor 38

The zoom motor 38 moves the zoom front lenses in and out. The motor is aminiature motor geared down to an appropriate speed to drive the zoommechanism.

Zoom Motor Driver 62

The zoom motor driver 62 is a small circuit which amplifies the digitalmotor control signals from the APC 31 to levels suitable for driving themotor.

Communications

The ACP 31 contains a universal serial bus (USB) interface 52 forcommunication with personal computers. Not all Artcam models areintended to include the USB connector. However, the silicon arearequired for a USB circuit 52 is small, so the interface can be includedin the standard ACP.

Optional Keyboard 57

The Artcam unit may include an optional miniature keyboard 57 forcustomizing text specified by the Artcard. Any text appearing in anArtcard image may be editable, even if it is in a complex metallic 3Dfont. The miniature keyboard includes a single line alphanumeric LCD todisplay the original text and edited text. The keyboard may be astandard accessory.

The ACP 31 contains a serial communications circuit for transferringdata to and from the miniature keyboard.

Power Supply

The Artcam unit uses a battery 48. Depending upon the Artcam options,this is either a 3V Lithium cell, 1.5 V AA alkaline cells, or otherbattery arrangement.

Power Management Unit 51

Power consumption is an important design constraint in the Artcam. It isdesirable that either standard camera batteries (such as 3V lithiumbatters) or standard AA or AAA alkaline cells can be used. While theelectronic complexity of the Artcam unit is dramatically higher than 35mm photographic cameras, the power consumption need not becommensurately higher. Power in the Artcam can be carefully managed withall unit being turned off when not in use.

The most significant current drains are the ACP 31, the area imagesensors 2,4, the printer 44 various motors, the flash unit 56, and theoptional color display 5 dealing with each part separately:

1. ACP: If fabricated using 0.25 μm CMOS, and running on 1.5V, the ACPpower consumption can be quite low. Clocks to various parts of the ACPchip can be quite low. Clocks to various parts of the ACP chip can beturned off when not in use, virtually eliminating standby currentconsumption. The ACP will only fully used for approximately 4 secondsfor each photograph printed.

2. Area image sensor: power is only supplied to the area image sensorwhen the user has their finger on the button.

3. The printer power is only supplied to the printer when actuallyprinting. This is for around 2 seconds for each photograph. Even so,suitably lower power consumption printing should be used.

4. The motors required in the Artcam are all low power miniature motors,and are typically only activated for a few seconds per photo.

5. The flash unit 45 is only used for some photographs. Its powerconsumption can readily be provided by a 3V lithium battery for areasonably battery life.

6. The optional color display 5 is a major current drain for tworeasons: it must be on for the whole time that the camera is in use, anda backlight will be required if a liquid crystal display is used.Cameras which incorporate a color display will require a larger batteryto achieve acceptable batter life.

Flash Unit 56

The flash unit 56 can be a standard miniature electronic flash forconsumer cameras.

Overview of the ACP 31

FIG. 3 illustrates the Artcam Central Processor (ACP) 31 in more detail.The Artcam Central Processor provides all of the processing power forArtcam. It is designed for a 0.25 micron CMOS process, withapproximately 1.5 million transistors and an area of around 50 mm². TheACP 31 is a complex design, but design effort can be reduced by the useof datapath compilation techniques, macrocells, and IP cores. The ACP 31contains:

-   -   A RISC CPU core 72    -   A 4 way parallel VLIW Vector Processor 74    -   A Direct RAMbus interface 81    -   A CMOS image sensor interface 83    -   A CMOS linear image sensor interface 88    -   A USB serial interface 52    -   An infrared keyboard interface 55    -   A numeric LCD interface 84, and    -   A color TFT LCD interface 88    -   A 4 Mbyte Flash memory 70 for program storage 70        The RISC CPU, Direct RAMbus interface 81, CMOS sensor interface        83 and USB serial interface 52 can be vendor supplied cores. The        ACP 31 is intended to run at a clock speed of 200 MHz on 3V        externally and 1.5V internally to minimize power consumption.        The CPU core needs only to run at 100 MHz. The following two        block diagrams give two views of the ACP 31:    -   A view of the ACP 31 in isolation        An example Artcam showing a high-level view of the ACP 31        connected to the rest of the Artcam hardware.        Image Access

As stated previously, the DRAM Interface 81 is responsible forinterfacing between other client portions of the ACP chip and the RAMBUSDRAM. In effect, each module within the DRAM Interface is an addressgenerator.

There are three logical types of images manipulated by the ACP. Theyare:

-   -   CCD Image, which is the Input Image captured from the CCD.    -   Internal Image format—the Image format utilised internally by        the Artcam device.

Print Image—the Output Image format printed by the Artcam

These images are typically different in color space, resolution, and theoutput & input color spaces which can vary from camera to camera. Forexample, a CCD image on a low-end camera may be a different resolution,or have different color characteristics from that used in a high-endcamera. However all internal image formats are the same format in termsof color space across all cameras.

In addition, the three image types can vary with respect to whichdirection is ‘up’. The physical orientation of the camera causes thenotion of a portrait or landscape image, and this must be maintainedthroughout processing. For this reason, the internal image is alwaysoriented correctly, and rotation is performed on images obtained fromthe CCD and during the print operation.

CPU Core (CPU) 72

The ACP 31 incorporates a 32 bit RISC CPU 72 to run the Vark imageprocessing language interpreter and to perform Artcam's generaloperating system duties. A wide variety of CPU cores are suitable: itcan be any processor core with sufficient processing power to performthe required core calculations and control functions fast enough to metconsumer expectations. Examples of suitable cores are: MIPS R4000 corefrom LSI Logic, StrongARM core. There is no need to maintain instructionset continuity between different Artcam models. Artcard compatibility ismaintained irrespective of future processor advances and changes,because the Vark interpreter is simply re-compiled for each newinstruction set. The ACP 31 architecture is therefore also free toevolve. Different ACP 31 chip designs may be fabricated by differentmanufacturers, without requiring to license or port the CPU core. Thisdevice independence avoids the chip vendor lock-in such as has occurredin the PC market with Intel. The CPU operates at 100 MHz, with a singlecycle time of 10 ns. It must be fast enough to run the Vark interpreter,although the VLIW Vector Processor 74 is responsible for most of thetime-critical operations.

Program Cache 72

Although the program code is stored in on-chip Flash memory 70, it isunlikely that well packed Flash memory 70 will be able to operate at the10 ns cycle time required by the CPU. Consequently a small cache isrequired for good performance. 16 cache lines of 32 bytes each aresufficient, for a total of 512 bytes. The program cache 72 is defined inthe chapter entitled Program cache 72.

Data Cache 76

A small data cache 76 is required for good performance. This requirementis mostly due to the use of a RAMbus DRAM, which can provide high-speeddata in bursts, but is inefficient for single byte accesses. The CPU hasaccess to a memory caching system that allows flexible manipulation ofCPU data cache 76 sizes. A minimum of 16 cache lines (512 bytes) isrecommended for good performance.

CPU Memory Model

An Artcam's CPU memory model consists of a 32 MB area. It consists of 8MB of physical RDRAM off-chip in the base model of Artcam, withprovision for up to 16 MB of off-chip memory. There is a 4 MB Flashmemory 70 on the ACP 31 for program storage, and finally a 4 MB addressspace mapped to the various registers and controls of the ACP 31. Thememory map then, for an Artcam is as follows:

Contents Size Base Artcam DRAM 8 MB Extended DRAM 8 MB Program memory(on ACP 31 in Flash memory 70) 4 MB Reserved for extension of programmemory 4 MB ACP 31 registers and memory-mapped I/O 4 MB Reserved 4 MBTOTAL 32 MB A straightforward way of decoding addresses is to use address bits23-24:

-   -   If bit 24 is clear, the address is in the lower 16-MB range, and        hence can be satisfied from DRAM and the Data cache 76. In most        cases the DRAM will only be 8 MB, but 16 MB is allocated to        cater for a higher memory model Artcams.    -   If bit 24 is set, and bit 23 is clear, then the address        represents the Flash memory 70 4 Mbyte range and is satisfied by        the Program cache 72.    -   If bit 24=1 and bit 23=1, the address is translated into an        access over the low speed bus to the requested component in the        AC by the CPU Memory Decoder 68.        Flash Memory 70

The ACP 31 contains a 4 Mbyte Flash memory 70 for storing the Artcamprogram. It is envisaged that Flash memory 70 will have denser packingcoefficients than masked ROM, and allows for greater flexibility fortesting camera program code. The downside of the Flash memory 70 is theaccess time, which is unlikely to be fast enough for the 100 MHzoperating speed (10 ns cycle time) of the CPU. A fast ProgramInstruction cache 77 therefore acts as the interface between the CPU andthe slower Flash memory 70.

Program Cache 72

A small cache is required for good CPU performance. This requirement isdue to the slow speed Flash memory 70 which stores the Program code. 16cache lines of 32 bytes each are sufficient, for a total of 512 bytes.The Program cache 72 is a read only cache. The data used by CPU programscomes through the CPU Memory Decoder 68 and if the address is in DRAM,through the general Data cache 76. The separation allows the CPU tooperate independently of the VLIW Vector Processor 74. If the datarequirements are low for a given process, it can consequently operatecompletely out of cache.Finally, the Program cache 72 can be read as data by the CPU rather thanpurely as program instructions. This allows tables, microcode for theVLIW etc to be loaded from the Flash memory 70. Addresses with bit 24set and bit 23 clear are satisfied from the Program cache 72.CPU Memory Decoder 68The CPU Memory Decoder 68 is a simple decoder for satisfying CPU dataaccesses. The Decoder translates data addresses into internal ACPregister accesses over the internal low speed bus, and therefore allowsfor memory mapped I/O of ACP registers. The CPU Memory Decoder 68 onlyinterprets addresses that have bit 24 set and bit 23 clear. There is nocaching in the CPU Memory Decoder 68.DRAM Interface 81The DRAM used by the Artcam is a single channel 64 Mbit (8 MB) RAMbusRDRAM operating at 1.6 GB/sec. RDRAM accesses are by a single channel(16-bit data path) controller. The RDRAM also has several usefuloperating modes for low power operation. Although the Rambusspecification describes a system with random 32 byte transfers ascapable of achieving a greater than 95% efficiency, this is not true ifonly part of the 32 bytes are used. Two reads followed by two writes tothe same device yields over 86% efficiency. The primary latency isrequired for bus turn-around going from a Write to a Read, and sincethere is a Delayed Write mechanism, efficiency can be further improved.With regards to writes, Write Masks allow specific subsets of bytes tobe written to. These write masks would be set via internal cache “dirtybits”. The upshot of the Rambus Direct RDRAM is a throughput of >1GB/sec is easily achievable, and with multiple reads for every write(most processes) combined with intelligent algorithms making good use of32 byte transfer knowledge, transfer rates of >1.3 GB/sec are expected.Every 10 ns, 16 bytes can be transferred to or from the core.DRAM Organization

-   -   The DRAM organization for a base model (8 MB RDRAM) Artcam is as        follows:

Contents Size Program scratch RAM 0.50 MB Artcard data 1.00 MB PhotoImage, captured from CMOS Sensor 0.50 MB Print Image (compressed) 2.25MB 1 Channel of expanded Photo Image 1.50 MB 1 Image Pyramid of singlechannel 1.00 MB Intermediate Image Processing 1.25 MB TOTAL 8 MBNotes:

-   Uncompressed, the Print Image requires 4.5 MB (1.5 MB per channel).    To accommodate other objects in the 8 MB model, the Print Image    needs to be compressed. If the chrominance channels are compressed    by 4:1 they require only 0.375 MB each).-   The memory model described here assumes a single 8 MB RDRAM. Other    models of the Artcam may have more memory, and thus not require    compression of the Print Image. In addition, with more memory a    larger part of the final image can be worked on at once, potentially    giving a speed improvement.-   Note that ejecting or inserting an Artcard invalidates the 5.5 MB    area holding the Print Image, 1 channel of expanded photo image, and    the image pyramid. This space may be safely used by the Artcard    Interface for decoding the Artcard data.    Data Cache 76    The ACP 31 contains a dedicated CPU instruction cache 77 and a    general data cache 76. The Data cache 76 handles all DRAM requests    (reads and writes of data) from the CPU, the VLIW Vector Processor    74, and the Display Controller 88. These requests may have very    different profiles in terms of memory usage and algorithmic timing    requirements. For example, a VLIW process may be processing an image    in linear memory, and lookup a value in a table for each value in    the image. There is little need to cache much of the image, but it    may be desirable to cache the entire lookup table so that no real    memory access is required. Because of these differing requirements,    the Data cache 76 allows for an intelligent definition of caching.    Although the Rambus DRAM interface 81 is capable of very high-speed    memory access (an average throughput of 32 bytes in 25 ns), it is    not efficient dealing with single byte requests. In order to reduce    effective memory latency, the ACP 31 contains 128 cache lines. Each    cache line is 32 bytes wide. Thus the total amount of data cache 76    is 4096 bytes (4 KB). The 128 cache lines are configured into 16    programmable-sized groups. Each of the 16 groups must be a    contiguous set of cache lines. The CPU is responsible for    determining how many cache lines to allocate to each group. Within    each group cache lines are filled according to a simple Least    Recently Used algorithm. In terms of CPU data requests, the Data    cache 76 handles memory access requests that have address bit 24    clear. If bit 24 is clear, the address is in the lower 16 MB range,    and hence can be satisfied from DRAM and the Data cache 76. In most    cases the DRAM will only be 8 MB, but 16 MB is allocated to cater    for a higher memory model Artcam. If bit 24 is set, the address is    ignored by the Data cache 76.    All CPU data requests are satisfied from Cache Group 0. A minimum of    16 cache lines is recommended for good CPU performance, although the    CPU can assign any number of cache lines (except none) to Cache    Group 0. The remaining Cache Groups (1 to 15) are allocated    according to the current requirements. This could mean allocation to    a VLIW Vector Processor 74 program or the Display Controller 88. For    example, a 256 byte lookup table required to be permanently    available would require 8 cache lines. Writing out a sequential    image would only require 2-4 cache lines (depending on the size of    record being generated and whether write requests are being Write    Delayed for a significant number of cycles). Associated with each    cache line byte is a dirty bit, used for creating a Write Mask when    writing memory to DRAM. Associated with each cache line is another    dirty bit, which indicates whether any of the cache line bytes has    been written to (and therefore the cache line must be written back    to DRAM before it can be reused). Note that it is possible for two    different Cache Groups to be accessing the same address in memory    and to get out of sync. The VLIW program writer is responsible to    ensure that this is not an issue. It could be perfectly reasonable,    for example, to have a Cache Group responsible for reading an image,    and another Cache Group responsible for writing the changed image    back to memory again. If the images are read or written sequentially    there may be advantages in allocating cache lines in this manner. A    total of 8 buses 182 connect the VLIW Vector Processor 74 to the    Data cache 76. Each bus is connected to an I/O Address Generator.    (There are 2 I/O Address Generators 189, 190 per Processing Unit    178, and there are 4 Processing Units in the VLIW Vector Processor    74. The total number of buses is therefore 8.) In any given cycle,    in addition to a single 32 bit (4 byte) access to the CPU's cache    group (Group 0), 4 simultaneous accesses of 16 bits (2 bytes) to    remaining cache groups are permitted on the 8 VLIW Vector Processor    74 buses. The Data cache 76 is responsible for fairly processing the    requests. On a given cycle, no more than 1 request to a specific    Cache Group will be processed. Given that there are 8 Address    Generators 189, 190 in the VLIW Vector Processor 74, each one of    these has the potential to refer to an individual Cache Group.    However it is possible and occasionally reasonable for 2 or more    Address Generators 189, 190 to access the same Cache Group. The CPU    is responsible for ensuring that the Cache Groups have been    allocated the correct number of cache lines, and that the various    Address Generators 189, 190 in the VLIW Vector Processor 74    reference the specific Cache Groups correctly.    The Data cache 76 as described allows for the Display Controller 88    and VLIW Vector Processor 74 to be active simultaneously. If the    operation of these two components were deemed to never occur    simultaneously, a total 9 Cache Groups would suffice. The CPU would    use Cache Group 0, and the VLIW Vector Processor 74 and the Display    Controller 88 would share the remaining 8 Cache Groups, requiring    only 3 bits (rather than 4) to define which Cache Group would    satisfy a particular request.    JTAG Interface 85    A standard JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) Interface is included in    the ACP 31 for testing purposes. Due to the complexity of the chip,    a variety of testing techniques are required, including BIST (Built    In Self Test) and functional block isolation. An overhead of 10% in    chip area is assumed for overall chip testing circuitry. The test    circuitry is beyond the scope of this document.    Serial Interfaces    USB Serial Port Interface 52    This is a standard USB serial port, which is connected to the    internal chip low speed bus, thereby allowing the CPU to control it.    Keyboard Interface 65    This is a standard low-speed serial port, which is connected to the    internal chip low speed bus, thereby allowing the CPU to control it.    It is designed to be optionally connected to a keyboard to allow    simple data input to customize prints.    Authentication Chip Serial Interfaces 64    These are 2 standard low-speed serial ports, which are connected to    the internal chip low speed bus, thereby allowing the CPU to control    them. The reason for having 2 ports is to connect to both the    on-camera Authentication chip, and to the print-roll Authentication    chip using separate lines. Only using 1 line may make it possible    for a clone print-roll manufacturer to design a chip which, instead    of generating an authentication code, tricks the camera into using    the code generated by the authentication chip in the camera.    Parallel Interface 67    The parallel interface connects the ACP 31 to individual static    electrical signals. The CPU is able to control each of these    connections as memory-mapped I/O via the low speed bus The following    table is a list of connections to the parallel interface:

Connection Direction Pins Paper transport stepper motor Out 4 Artcardstepper motor Out 4 Zoom stepper motor Out 4 Guillotine motor Out 1Flash trigger Out 1 Status LCD segment drivers Out 7 Status LCD commondrivers Out 4 Artcard illumination LED Out 1 Artcard status LED(red/green) In 2 Artcard sensor In 1 Paper pull sensor In 1 Orientationsensor In 2 Buttons In 4 TOTAL 36VLIW Input and Output FIFOs 78, 79The VLIW Input and Output FIFOs are 8 bit wide FIFOs used forcommunicating between processes and the VLIW Vector Processor 74. BothFIFOs are under the control of the VLIW Vector Processor 74, but can becleared and queried (e.g. for status) etc by the CPU.VLIW Input FIFO 78A client writes 8-bit data to the VLIW Input FIFO 78 in order to havethe data processed by the VLIW Vector Processor 74. Clients include theImage Sensor Interface, Artcard Interface, and CPU. Each of theseprocesses is able to offload processing by simply writing the data tothe FIFO, and letting the VLIW Vector Processor 74 do all the hard work.An example of the use of a client's use of the VLIW Input FIFO 78 is theImage Sensor Interface (ISI 83). The ISI 83 takes data from the ImageSensor and writes it to the FIFO. A VLIW process takes it from the FIFO,transforming it into the correct image data format, and writing it outto DRAM. The ISI 83 becomes much simpler as a result.VLIW Output FIFO 79The VLIW Vector Processor 74 writes 8-bit data to the VLIW Output FIFO79 where clients can read it. Clients include the Print Head Interfaceand the CPU. Both of these clients is able to offload processing bysimply reading the already processed data from the FIFO, and letting theVLIW Vector Processor 74 do all the hard work. The CPU can also beinterrupted whenever data is placed into the VLIW Output FIFO 79,allowing it to only process the data as it becomes available rather thanpolling the FIFO continuously. An example of the use of a client's useof the VLIW Output FIFO 79 is the Print Head Interface (PHI 62). A VLIWprocess takes an image, rotates it to the correct orientation, colorconverts it, and dithers the resulting image according to the print headrequirements. The PHI 62 reads the dithered formatted 8-bit data fromthe VLIW Output FIFO 79 and simply passes it on to the Print Headexternal to the ACP 31. The PHI 62 becomes much simpler as a result.VLIW Vector Processor 74To achieve the high processing requirements of Artcam, the ACP 31contains a VLIW (Very Long Instruction Word) Vector Processor. The VLIWprocessor is a set of 4 identical Processing Units (PU e.g 178) workingin parallel, connected by a crossbar switch 183. Each PU e.g 178 canperform four 8-bit multiplications, eight 8-bit additions, three 32-bitadditions, I/O processing, and various logical operations in each cycle.The PUs e.g 178 are microcoded, and each has two Address Generators 189,190 to allow full use of available cycles for data processing. The fourPUs e.g 178 are normally synchronized to provide a tightly interactingVLIW processor. Clocking at 200 MHz, the VLIW Vector Processor 74 runsat 12 Gops (12 billion operations per second). Instructions are tunedfor image processing functions such as warping, artistic brushing,complex synthetic illumination, color transforms, image filtering, andcompositing. These are accelerated by two orders of magnitude overdesktop computers.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the auto exposure setting information 101 isutilised in conjunction with the stored image 102 to process the imageby utilising the ACP. The processed image is returned to the memorystore for later printing out 104 on the output printer.

A number of processing steps can be undertaken in accordance with thedetermined light conditions. Where the auto exposure setting 1 indicatesthat the image was taken in a low light condition, the image pixelcolours are selectively re-mapped so as to make the image coloursstronger, deeper and richer.

Where the auto exposure information indicates that highlight conditionswere present when the image was taken, the image colours can beprocessed to make them brighter and more saturated. The re-colouring ofthe image can be undertaken by conversion of the image to ahue-saturation-value (HSV) format and an alteration of pixel values inaccordance with requirements. The pixel values can then be outputconverted to the required output colour format of printing.

Of course, many different re-colouring techniques may be utilised.Preferably, the techniques are clearly illustrated on the pre-requisiteArtcard inserted into the reader. Alternatively, the image processingalgorithms can be automatically applied and hard-wired into the camerafor utilization in certain conditions.

Alternatively, the Artcard inserted could have a number of manipulationsapplied to the image which are specific to the auto-exposure setting.For example, clip arts containing candles etc could be inserted in adark image and large suns inserted in bright images.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 8, the Artcam prints the images onto mediastored in a replaceable print roll 105. In some preferred embodiments,the operation of the camera device is such that when a series of imagesis printed on a first surface of the print roll, the correspondingbacking surface has a ready made postcard which can be immediatelydispatched at the nearest post office box within the jurisdiction. Inthis way, personalized postcards can be created.

It would be evident that when utilising the postcard system asillustrated FIG. 5 only predetermined image sizes are possible as thesynchronization between the backing postcard portion and the front imagemust be maintained. This can be achieved by utilising the memoryportions of the authentication chip stored within the print roll 105 tostore details of the length of each postcard backing format sheet. Thiscan be achieved by either having each postcard the same size or bystoring each size within the print rolls on-board print chip memory.

In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a modified form of printroll which can be constructed mostly from injection moulded plasticpieces suitably snapped fitted together. The modified form of print rollhas a high ink storage capacity in addition to a somewhat simplifiedconstruction. The print media onto which the image is to be printed iswrapped around a plastic sleeve former for simplified construction. Theink media reservoir has a series of air vents which are constructed soas to minimise the opportunities for the ink flow out of the air vents.Further, a rubber seal is provided for the ink outlet holes with therubber seal being pierced on insertion of the print roll into a camerasystem. Further, the print roll includes a print media ejection slot andthe ejection slot includes a surrounding moulded surface which providesand assists in the accurate positioning of the print media ejection slotrelative to the printhead within the printing or camera system.

Turning to FIG. 6 there is illustrated a single point roll unit 105 inan assembled form with a partial cutaway showing internal portions ofthe print roll. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate left and right sideexploded perspective views respectively. The print roll 105 isconstructed around the internal core portion 106 which contains aninternal ink supply. Outside of the core portion 106 is provided aformer 107 around which is wrapped a paper or film supply 108. Aroundthe paper supply it is constructed two cover pieces 109, 110 which snaptogether around the print roll so as to form a covering unit asillustrated in FIG. 6. The bottom cover piece 110 includes a slot 111through which the output of the print media 112 for interconnection withthe camera system.

Two pinch rollers 113, 114 are provided to pinch the paper against adrive pinch roller 115 so they together provide for a decurling of thepaper around the roller 115. The decurling acts to negate the strongcurl that may be imparted to the paper from being stored in the form ofprint roll for an extended period of time. The rollers 113, 114 areprovided to form a snap fit with end portions of the cover base portion110 and the roller 115 which includes a cogged end 116 for driving, snapfits into the upper cover piece 109 so as to pinch the paper 112 firmlybetween.

The cover pieces 109, 110 includes an end protuberance or lip 117. Theend lip 117 is provided for accurately alignment of the exit hole of thepaper with a corresponding printing heat platen structure within thecamera system. In this way, accurate alignment or positioning of theexiting paper relative to an adjacent printhead is provided for fullguidance of the paper to the printhead.

It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention asshown in the specific embodiment without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiment is,therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and notrestrictive.

The present invention is best utilized in the Artcam device, the detailsof which are set out in the following paragraphs.

Ink Jet Technologies

The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Ofcourse many different devices could be used. However presently popularink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.

The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption.This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stemsfrom the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves therapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink.Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermalinkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, fromelectricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.

The most significant problem with piezoelectric inkjet is size and cost.Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drivevoltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, eachpiezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on aseparate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the currentlimit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment tothe fabrication of pagewide print heads with 19,200 nozzles.

Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements ofin-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, lowcost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digitalphotography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The targetfeatures include:

low power (less than 10 Watts)

high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)

photographic quality output

low manufacturing cost

small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)

high speed (<2 seconds per page).

All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systemsdescribed below with differing levels of difficulty. 45 different inkjettechnologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range ofchoices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part ofseparate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in thetable below.

The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digitalprinting systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras,through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercialprinting systems

For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print headis designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS postprocessing. For color photographic applications, the print head is 100mm long, with a width which depends upon the inkjet type. The smallestprint head designed is IJ38, which is 0.35 mm wide, giving a chip areaof 35 square mm. The print heads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus dataand control circuitry.

Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection moldedplastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which canbe created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standardinjection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the waferto the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. Theprint head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automatedbonding.

CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS

The following table is a guide to cross-referenced patent applicationsfiled concurrently herewith and discussed hereinafter with the referencebeing utilized in subsequent tables when referring to a particular case:

Reference Title 6,227,652 Radiant Plunger Ink Jet Printer 6,213,588Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer 6,213,589 Planar Thermoelastic BendActuator Ink Jet 6,231,163 Stacked Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer6,247,795 Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer 6,394,581 Paddle Type InkJet Printer 6,244,691 Permanent Magnet Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer6,257,704 Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer 6,416,168Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printer 6,220,694 Pulsed Magnetic Field InkJet Printer 6,257,705 Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink JetPrinter 6,247,794 Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer 6,234,610 GearDriven Shutter Ink Jet Printer 6,247,793 Tapered Magnetic PoleElectromagnetic Ink Jet Printer 6,264,306 Linear Spring ElectromagneticGrill Ink Jet Printer 6,241,342 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink JetPrinter 6,247,792 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating PressureInk Jet Printer 6,264,307 Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink JetPrinter 6,254,220 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer 6,234,611 Curling CalyxThermoelastic Ink Jet Printer 6,302,528 Thermal Actuated Ink Jet Printer6,283,582 Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer 6,239,821 Direct Firing ThermalBend Actuator Ink Jet Printer 6,338,547 Conductive PTFE Ben ActivatorVented Ink Jet Printer 6,247,796 Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printer6,557,977 Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer 6,390,603 Buckle Plate InkJet Printer 6,362,843 Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet Printer6,293,653 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer 6,312,107Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and Corrugated Copper Ink JetPrinter 6,227,653 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink Jet Printer6,234,609 A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer 6,238,040Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink jet printer 6,188,415 InkJet Printer having a thermal actuator comprising an external coiledspring 6,227,654 Trough Container Ink Jet Printer 6,209,989 Dual ChamberSingle Vertical Actuator Ink Jet 6,247,791 Dual Nozzle Single HorizontalFulcrum Actuator Ink Jet 6,336,710 Dual Nozzle Single HorizontalActuator Ink Jet 6,217,153 A single bend actuator cupped paddle ink jetprinting device 6,416,167 A thermally actuated ink jet printer having aseries of thermal actuator units 6,243,113 A thermally actuated ink jetprinter including a tapered heater element 6,283,581 Radial Back-CurlingThermoelastic Ink Jet 6,247,790 Inverted Radial Back-CurlingThermoelastic Ink Jet 6,260,953 Surface bend actuator vented ink supplyink jet printer 6,267,469 Coil Acutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet PrinterTables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets

Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation ofindividual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristicsare largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an elevendimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix includeentries developed by the present assignee.

The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table ofinkjet types.

Actuator mechanism (18 types)

Basic operation mode (7 types)

Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)

Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)

Actuator motion (19 types)

Nozzle refill method (4 types)

Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)

Nozzle clearing method (9 types)

Nozzle plate construction (9 types)

Drop ejection direction (5 types)

Ink type (7 types)

The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all ofthe possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, manymillion configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical toelucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjettypes have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 toIJ45 above.

Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these 45examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more ofthe 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into inkjetprint heads with characteristics superior to any currently availableinkjet technology.

Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more ofthese examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below.The IJ01 to IJ45 series are also listed in the examples column. In somecases, a printer may be listed more than once in a table, where itshares characteristics with more than one entry.

Suitable applications include: Home printers, Office network printers,Short run digital printers, Commercial print systems, Fabric printers,Pocket printers, Internet WWW printers, Video printers, Medical imaging,Wide format printers, Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrialprinting systems, Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.

The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrixare set out in the following tables.

ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TO SELECTED INK DROPS) ActuatorMechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Thermal bubbleAn electrothermal heater Large force generated High power CanonBubblejet 1979 heats the ink to Simple construction Ink carrier limitedEndo et al GB patent above boiling point, No moving parts to water2,007,162 transferring significant Fast operation Low efficiency Xeroxheater-in-pit 1990 heat to the aqueous ink. Small chip area required forHigh temperatures Hawkins et al U.S. Pat. No. A bubble nucleates andactuator required 4,899,181 quickly forms, expelling High mechanicalHewlett-Packard TIJ the ink. The efficiency stress 1982 Vaught et al ofthe process is low, Unusual materials U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,728 withtypically less than required 0.05% of the electrical Large drive energybeing transformed transistors into kinetic energy of Cavitation causesthe drop. actuator failure Kogation reduces bubble formation Large printheads are difficult to fabricate Piezoelectric A piezoelectric Low powerconsumption Very large area Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No. crystal such aslead Many ink types can be used required for 3,946,398 lanthanumzirconate Fast operation actuator Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. 3,683,212 (PZT)is electrically High efficiency Difficult to 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No.activated, and either integrate with 3,747,120 expands, shears, orelectronics Epson Stylus bends to apply pressure High voltage driveTektronix to the ink, ejecting transistors required IJ04 drops. Fullpagewidth print heads impractical due to actuator size Requireselectrical poling in high field strengths during manufactureElectro-strictive An electric field is Low power consumption Low maximumstrain Seiko Epson, Usui et all used to activate Many ink types can beused (approx. 0.01%) JP 253401/96 electrostriction in Low thermalexpansion Large area required IJ04 relaxor materials such Electric fieldstrength required for actuator due to as lead lanthanum (approx. 3.5V/μm) can be low strain zirconate titanate generated without difficultyResponse speed is (PLZT) or lead Does not require electrical marginal(~10 μs) magnesium niobate poling High voltage drive (PMN). transistorsrequired Full pagewidth print heads impractical due to actuator sizeFerroelectric An electric field is Low power consumption Difficult toIJ04 used to induce a Many ink types can be used integrate with phasetransition Fast operation (<1 μs) electronics between the Relativelyhigh longitudinal Unusual materials antiferroelectric strain such asPLZSnT are (AFE) and ferroelectric High efficiency required (FE) phase.Perovskite Electric field strength of around Actuators require materialssuch as 3 V/μm can be readily a large area tin modified lead providedlanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZSnT) exhibit large strains of up to 1%associated with the AFE to FE phase transition. Electrostatic Conductiveplates are Low power consumption Difficult to operate IJ02, IJ04 platesseparated by a Many ink types can be used electrostatic devicescompressible or fluid Fast operation in an aqueous dielectric (usuallyenvironment air). Upon application The electrostatic of a voltage, theactuator will normally plates attract each need to be separated otherand displace ink, from the ink causing drop ejection. Very large areaThe conductive plates required to achieve may be in a comb or highforces honeycomb structure, or High voltage drive stacked to increasethe transistors may be surface area and required therefore the force.Full pagewidth print heads are not competitive due to actuator sizeElectrostatic pull A strong electric field Low current consumption Highvoltage required 1989 Saito et al, U.S. Pat. No. on ink is applied tothe Low temperature May be damaged by 4,799,068 ink, whereupon sparksdue to air 1989 Miura et al, U.S. Pat. No. electrostatic attractionbreakdown 4,810,954 accelerates the ink Required field Tone-jet towardsthe print strength increases medium. as the drop size decreases Highvoltage drive transistors required Electrostatic field attracts dustPermanent An electromagnet Low power consumption Complex fabricationIJ07, IJ10 magnet electro- directly attracts a Many ink types can beused Permanent magnetic magnetic permanent magnet, Fast operationmaterial such as displacing ink and High efficiency Neodymium Iron Boroncausing drop ejection. Easy extension from single (NdFeB) required. Rareearth magnets nozzles to pagewidth print High local currents with afield strength heads required around 1 Tesla can be Copper metalizationused. Examples are: should be used for Samarium Cobalt longelectromigration (SaCo) and magnetic lifetime and low materials in theresistivity neodymium iron boron Pigmented inks are family (NdFeB,usually infeasible NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB, etc) Operating temperaturelimited to the Curie temperature (around 540 K) Soft magnetic core Asolenoid induced a Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ01, IJ05,IJ08, IJ10 electro-magnetic magnetic field in a Many ink types can beused Materials not usually IJ12, IJ14, IJ15, IJ17 soft magnetic core orFast operation present in a CMOS fab yoke fabricated from a Highefficiency such as NiFe, CoNiFe, ferrous material such as Easy extensionfrom single or CoFe are electroplated iron nozzles to pagewidth printrequired alloys such as CoNiFe heads High local currents [1], CoFe, orNiFe required alloys. Typically, the Copper metalization soft magneticmaterial should be used for is in two parts, long electromigration whichare normally held lifetime and low apart by a spring. When resistivitythe solenoid is actuated, Electroplating is the two parts attract,required displacing the ink. High saturation flux density is required(2.0-2.1 T is achievable with CoNiFe [1]) Magnetic The Lorenz forceacting Low power consumption Force acts as a IJ06, IJ11, IJ13, IJ16Lorenz force on a current carrying Many ink types can be used twistingmotion wire in a magnetic field Fast operation Typically, only a isutilized. High efficiency quarter of the sole- This allows the Easyextension from single noid length provides magnetic field to be nozzlesto pagewidth print force in a useful supplied externally to headsdirection the print head, for High local currents example with rareearth required permanent magnets. Copper metalization Only the currentshould be used for carrying wire need be long electromigrationfabricated on the print- lifetime and low head, simplifying resistivitymaterials requirements. Pigmented inks are usually infeasibleMagneto-striction The actuator uses the Many ink types can be used Forceacts as a Fischenbeck, U.S. Pat. No. giant magnetostrictive Fastoperation twisting motion 4,032,929 effect of materials such Easyextension from single Unusual materials IJ25 as Terfenol-D (an nozzlesto pagewidth print such as Terfenol-D alloy of terbium, heads arerequired dysprosium and iron High force is available High local currentsdeveloped at the required Naval Ordnance Copper metalization Laboratory,hence Ter- should be used for Fe-NOL). For best long electromigrationefficiency, the lifetime and low actuator should be resistivitypre-stressed to Pre-stressing may approx. 8 MPa. be required Surfacetension Ink under positive Low power consumption Requires supplementarySilverbrook, EP 0771 reduction pressure is held in Simple constructionforce to effect drop 658 A2 and related a nozzle by surface No unusualmaterials required separation patent applications tension. The surfacein fabrication Requires special ink tension of the ink is Highefficiency surfactants reduced below the Easy extension from singleSpeed may be limited bubble threshold, nozzles to pagewidth print bysurfactant causing the ink to heads properties egress from the nozzle.Viscosity The ink viscosity is Simple construction Requiressupplementary Silverbrook, EP 0771 reduction locally reduced to Nounusual materials required force to effect drop 658 A2 and relatedselect which drops in fabrication separation patent applications are tobe ejected. A Easy extension from single Requires special ink viscosityreduction nozzles to pagewidth print viscosity properties can beachieved heads High speed is electrothermally with difficult to achievemost inks, but Requires oscillating special inks can be ink pressureengineered for a 100:1 A high temperature viscosity reduction.difference (typically 80 degrees) is required Acoustic An acoustic waveis Can operate without a nozzle Complex drive circuitry 1993 Hadimiogluet al, generated and plate Complex fabrication EUP 550,192 focussed uponthe Low efficiency 1993 Elrod et al, EUP drop ejection region. Poorcontrol of drop 572,220 position Poor control of drop volumeThermoelastic An actuator which Low power consumption Efficient aqueousIJ03, IJ09, IJ17, IJ18 bend actuator relies upon Many ink types can beused operation requires IJ19, IJ20, IJ21, IJ22 differential thermalSimple planar fabrication a thermal insulator IJ23, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28expansion upon Small chip area required for on the hot side IJ29, IJ30,IJ31, IJ32 Joule heating is used. each actuator Corrosion preventionIJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 Fast operation can be difficult IJ37, IJ38, IJ39,IJ40 High efficiency Pigmented inks may IJ41 CMOS compatible voltagesand be infeasible, as currents pigment particles Standard MEMS processescan may jam the bend be used actuator Easy extension from single nozzlesto pagewidth print heads High CTE A material with a very High force canbe generated Requires special IJ09, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20 thermoelastic highcoefficient of PTFE is a candidate for low material (e.g. PTFE) IJ21,IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 actuator thermal expansion (CTE) dielectric constantinsulation Requires a PTFE IJ27, IJ28, IJ29, IJ30 such as in ULSIdeposition process, IJ31, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 polytetrafluoroethylene Verylow power consumption which is not yet (PTFE) is used. Many ink typescan be used standard in ULSI fabs As high CTE materials Simple planarfabrication PTFE deposition are usually non- Small chip area requiredfor cannot be followed conductive, a heater each actuator with hightemperature fabricated from a Fast operation (above 350 °C.) conductivematerial High efficiency processing is incorporated. A 50 CMOScompatible voltages and Pigmented inks may μm long PTFE bend currents beinfeasible, as actuator with Easy extension from single pigmentparticles polysilicon heater nozzles to pagewidth print may jam the bendand 15 mW power heads actuator input can provide 180 μN force and 10 μmdeflection. Actuator motions include: 1) Bend 2) Push 3) Buckle 4)Rotate Conductive A polymer with a High force can be generated Requiresspecial IJ24 polymer high coefficient of Very low power consumptionmaterials development thermoelastic thermal expansion Many ink types canbe used (High CTE conductive actuator (such as PTFE) is Simple planarfabrication polymer) doped with conducting Small chip area required forRequires a PTFE substances to each actuator deposition process, increaseits Fast operation which is not yet conductivity to about Highefficiency standard in ULSI fabs 3 orders of magnitude CMOS compatiblevoltages and PTFE deposition cannot below that of currents be followedwith high copper. The conducting Easy extension from single temperature(above polymer expands nozzles to pagewidth print 350 °C.) processingwhen resistively heated. heads Evaporation and CVD Examples ofconducting deposition techniques dopants include: cannot be used 1)Carbon nanotubes Pigmented inks may 2) Metal fibers be infeasible, as 3)Conductive polymers pigment particles such as doped may jam the bendpolythiophene actuator 4) Carbon granules Shape memory A shape memoryalloy High force is available (stresses Fatigue limits IJ26 alloy suchas TiNi (also of hundreds of MPa) maximum number of known as Nitinol -Large strain is available (more cycles Nickel Titanium alloy than 3%)Low strain (1%) is developed at the High corrosion resistance requiredto extend Naval Ordnance Simple construction fatigue resistanceLaboratory) is Easy extension from single Cycle rate limited thermallyswitched nozzles to pagewidth print by heat removal between its weakheads Requires unusual martensitic state and Low voltage operationmaterials (TiNi) its high stiffness The latent heat of austenic state.The transformation must shape of the actuator be provided in itsmartensitic High current operation state is deformed Requirespre-stressing relative to the to distort the austenic shape. martensiticstate The shape change causes ejection of a drop. Linear Magnetic Linearmagnetic Linear Magnetic actuators can Requires unusual semi- IJ12Actuator actuators include the be constructed with high conductormaterials Linear Induction thrust, long travel, and high such as softmagnetic Actuator (LIA), Linear efficiency using planar alloys (e.g.CoNiFe Permanent Magnet semiconductor fabrication [1]) SynchronousActuator techniques Some varieties also (LPMSA), Linear Long actuatortravel is available require permanent Reluctance Synchronous Mediumforce is available magnetic materials Actuator (LRSA), Linear Lowvoltage operation such as Neodymium Switched Reluctance iron boron(NdFeB) Actuator (LSRA), Requires complex and the Linear Steppermulti-phase drive Actuator (LSA). circuitry High current operation

BASIC OPERATION MODE Operational mode Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Actuator directly This is the simplest Simpleoperation Drop repetition rate is usually limited to less Thermal inkjetpushes ink mode of operation: No external fields required than 10 KHz.However, this is not Piezoelectric inkjet the actuator directlySatellite drops can be avoided if fundamental to the method, but isrelated IJ01, IJ02, IJ03, IJ04 supplies sufficient drop velocity is lessthan 4 to the refill method normally used IJ05, IJ06, IJ07, IJ09 kineticenergy to m/s All of the drop kinetic energy must be IJ11, IJ12, IJ14,IJ16 expel the drop. The Can be efficient, depending provided by theactuator IJ20, IJ22, IJ23, IJ24 drop must have a upon the actuator usedSatellite drops usually form if drop velocity IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28sufficient velocity is greater than 4.5 m/s IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 toovercome the IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 surface tension. IJ37, IJ38, IJ39,IJ40 IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Proximity The drops to be Very simple printhead Requires close proximity between the print Silverbrook, EP 0771printed are selected fabrication can be used head and the print media ortransfer roller 658 A2 and related by some manner (e.g. The dropselection means does May require two print heads printing patentapplications thermally induced not need to provide the alternate rows ofthe image surface tension energy required to separate Monolithic colorprint heads are difficult reduction of pressur- the drop from the nozzleized ink). Selected drops are separated from the ink in the nozzle bycontact with the print medium or a transfer roller. Electrostatic pullThe drops to be printed Very simple print head Requires very highelectrostatic field Silverbrook, EP 0771 on ink are selected byfabrication can be used Electrostatic field for small nozzle sizes is658 A2 and related some manner (e.g. The drop selection means does aboveair breakdown patent applications thermally induced not need to providethe Electrostatic field may attract dust Tone-Jet surface tension energyrequired to separate reduction of pressur- the drop from the nozzle izedink). Selected drops are separated from the ink in the nozzle by astrong electric field. Magnetic pull on The drops to be Very simpleprint head Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP 0771 ink printed areselected fabrication can be used Ink colors other than black aredifficult 658 A2 and related by some manner (e.g. The drop selectionmeans does Requires very high magnetic fields patent applicationsthermally induced not need to provide the surface tension energyrequired to separate reduction of pressur- the drop from the nozzle izedink). Selected drops are separated from the ink in the nozzle by astrong magnetic field acting on the magnetic ink. Shutter The actuatormoves a High speed (>50 KHz) Moving parts are required IJ13, IJ17, IJ21shutter to block ink operation can be achieved Requires ink pressuremodulator flow to the nozzle. due to reduced refill time Friction andwear must be considered The ink pressure is Drop timing can be veryStiction is possible pulsed at a multiple accurate of the drop ejectionThe actuator energy can be frequency. very low Shuttered grill Theactuator moves a Actuators with small travel can Moving parts arerequired IJ08, IJ15, IJ18, IJ19 shutter to block ink be used Requiresink pressure modulator flow through a grill Actuators with small forcecan Friction and wear must be considered to the nozzle. The be usedStiction is possible shutter movement need High speed (>50 KHz) only beequal to operation can be achieved the width of the grill holes. Pulsedmagnetic A pulsed magnetic Extremely low energy operation Requires anexternal pulsed magnetic field IJ10 pull on ink pusher field attracts an‘ink is possible Requires special materials for both the pusher’ at thedrop No heat dissipation problems actuator and the ink pusher ejectionfrequency. Complex construction An actuator controls a catch, whichprevents the ink pusher from moving when a drop is not to be ejected.

AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES) Auxiliary MechanismDescription Advantages Disadvantages Examples None The actuator directlySimplicity of construction Drop ejection energy must be supplied Mostinkjets, including fires the ink drop, Simplicity of operation byindividual nozzle actuator piezoelectric and and there is no Smallphysical size thermal bubble. external field or other IJ01-IJ07, IJ09,IJ11 mechanism required. IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22 IJ23-IJ45 Oscillatingink The ink pressure Oscillating ink pressure can Requires external inkpressure oscillator Silverbrook, EP 0771 pressure oscillates, providingprovide a refill pulse, Ink pressure phase and amplitude must 658 A2 andrelated (including much of the drop allowing higher operating becarefully controlled patent applications acoustic ejection energy. Thespeed Acoustic reflections in the ink chamber IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17stimulation) actuator selects The actuators may operate with must bedesigned for IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 which drops are to be much lower energyfired by selectively Acoustic lenses can be used to blocking or enablingfocus the sound on the nozzles. The ink nozzles pressure oscillation maybe achieved by vibrating the print head, or preferably by an actuator inthe ink supply. Media proximity The print head is Low power Precisionassembly required Silverbrook, EP 0771 placed in close High accuracyPaper fibers may cause problems 658 A2 and related proximity to theSimple print head construction Cannot print on rough substrates patentapplications print medium. Selected drops protrude from the print headfurther than unselected drops, and contact the print medium. The dropsoaks into the medium fast enough to cause drop separation. Transferroller Drops are printed to High accuracy Bulky Silverbrook, EP 0771 atransfer roller Wide range of print substrates Expensive 658 A2 andrelated instead of straight can be used Complex construction patentapplications to the print medium. Ink can be dried on the transferTektronix hot melt A transfer roller roller piezoelectric inkjet canalso be used for Any of the IJ series proximity drop separation.Electrostatic An electric field is Low power Field strength required forseparation Silverbrook, EP 0771 used to accelerate Simple print headconstruction of small drops is near or above air 658 A2 and relatedselected drops towards breakdown patent applications the print medium.Tone-Jet Direct magnetic A magnetic field is Low power Requires magneticink Silverbrook, EP 0771 field used to accelerate Simple print headconstruction Requires strong magnetic field 658 A2 and related selecteddrops of patent applications magnetic ink towards the print medium.Cross magnetic The print head is Does not require magnetic Requiresexternal magnet IJ06, IJ16 field placed in a constant materials to beintegrated in Current densities may be high, resulting magnetic field.The the print head manufacturing in electromigration problems Lorenzforce in a process current carrying wire is used to move the actuator.Pulsed magnetic A pulsed magnetic Very low power operation is Complexprint head construction IJ10 field field is used to possible Magneticmaterials required in print head cyclically attract a Small print headsize paddle, which pushes on the ink. A small actuator moves a catch,which selectively prevents the paddle from moving.

ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD Actuator amplificationDescription Advantages Disadvantages Examples None No actuatormechanical Operational simplicity Many actuator mechanisms have insuf-Thermal Bubble InkJet amplification is ficient travel, or insufficientforce, IJ01, IJ02, IJ06, IJ07 used. The actuator to efficiently drivethe drop ejection IJ16, IJ25, IJ26 directly drives the process dropejection process. Differential An actuator material Provides greatertravel in a High stresses are involved Piezoelectric expansion bendexpands more on reduced print head area Care must be taken that thematerials IJ03, IJ09, IJ17-IJ24 actuator one side than on The bendactuator converts a do not delaminate IJ27 IJ29-IJ39, IJ42, the other.The high force low travel actuator Residual bend resulting from highIJ43, IJ44 expansion may be mechanism to high travel, temperature orhigh stress during thermal, piezoelectric, lower force mechanism.formation magnetostrictive, or other mechanism. Transient bend Atrilayer bend Very good temperature stability High stresses are involvedIJ40, IJ41 actuator actuator where the two High speed, as a new drop canCare must be taken that the materials outside layers are be fired beforeheat dissipates do not delaminate identical. This cancels Cancelsresidual stress of bend due to ambient formation temperature andresidual stress. The actuator only responds to transient heating of oneside or the other. Actuator stack A series of thin Increased travelIncreased fabrication complexity Some piezoelectric ink actuators arestacked. Reduced drive voltage Increased possibility of short circuitsjets This can be due to pinholes IJ04 appropriate where actuatorsrequire high electric field strength, such as electrostatic andpiezoelectric actuators. Multiple actuators Multiple smaller Increasesthe force available Actuator forces may not add linearly, IJ12, IJ13,IJ18, IJ20 actuators are used from an actuator reducing efficiency IJ22,IJ28, IJ42, IJ43 simultaneously to Multiple actuators can be move theink. Each positioned to control ink flow actuator need accuratelyprovide only a portion of the force required. Linear Spring A linearspring is Matches low travel actuator Requires print head area for thespring IJ15 used to transform a with higher travel motion with smallrequirements travel and high force Non-contact method of motion into alonger travel, transformation lower force motion. Reverse spring Theactuator loads a Better coupling to the ink Fabrication complexity IJ05,IJ11 spring. When the High stress in the spring actuator is turned off,the spring releases. This can reverse the force/distance curve of theactuator to make it compatible with the force/time requirements of thedrop ejection. Coiled actuator A bend actuator is Increases travelGenerally restricted to planar IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, IJ35 coiled to provideReduces chip area implementations due to extreme greater travel in aPlanar implementations are fabrication difficulty in other reduced chiparea. relatively easy to fabricate. orientations. Flexure bend A bendactuator has Simple means of increasing Care must be taken not to exceedthe IJ10, IJ19, IJ33 actuator a small region near travel of a bendactuator elastic limit in the flexure area the fixture point, Stressdistribution is very uneven which flexes much Difficult to accuratelymodel with finite more readily than element analysis the remainder ofthe actuator. The actuator flexing is effectively converted from an evencoiling to an angular bend, resulting in greater travel of the actuatortip. Gears Gears can be used to Low force, low travel actuators Movingparts are required IJ13 increase travel at can be used Several actuatorcycles are required the expense of Can be fabricated using More complexdrive electronics duration. Circular standard surface MEMS Complexconstruction gears, rack and pinion, processes Friction, friction, andwear are possible ratchets, and other gearing methods can be used. CatchThe actuator controls Very low actuator energy Complex construction IJ10a small catch. The Very small actuator size Requires external forcecatch either enables Unsuitable for pigmented inks or disables movementof an ink pusher that is controlled in a bulk manner. Buckle plate Abuckle plate can be Very fast movement achievable Must stay withinelastic limits of the S. Hirata et al, “An Ink- used to change amaterials for long device life jet Head . . . ”, Proc. slow actuatorinto a High stresses involved IEEE MEMS, February fast motion. It canGenerally high power requirement 1996, pp 418-423. also convert a highIJ18, IJ27 force, low travel actuator into a high travel, medium forcemotion. Tapered magnetic A tapered magnetic Linearizes the magneticComplex construction IJ14 pole pole can increase force/distance curvetravel at the expense of force. Lever A lever and fulcrum Matches lowtravel actuator High stress around the fulcrum IJ32, IJ36, IJ37 is usedto transform with higher travel a motion with small requirements traveland high force Fulcrum area has no linear into a motion with movement,and can be used longer travel and for a fluid seal lower force. Thelever can also reverse the direction of travel. Rotary impeller Theactuator is High mechanical advantage Complex construction IJ28connected to a rotary The ratio of force to travel of Unsuitable forpigmented inks impeller. A small the actuator can be matched angulardeflection of to the nozzle requirements by the actuator results varyingthe number of in a rotation of the impeller vanes impeller vanes, whichpush the ink against stationary vanes and out of the nozzle. Acousticlens A refractive or No moving parts Large area required 1993 Hadimiogluet al, diffractive (e.g. zone Only relevant for acoustic ink jets EUP550,192 plate) acoustic lens 1993 Elrod et al, EUP is used toconcentrate 572,220 sound waves. Sharp conductive A sharp point is usedSimple construction Difficult to fabricate using standard Tone-jet pointto concentrate an VLSI processes for a surface ejecting electrostaticfield. ink-jet Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets

ACTUATOR MOTION Actuator motion Description Advantages DisadvantagesExamples Volume The volume of the Simple construction High energy istypically required to Hewlett-Packard expansion actuator changes, in thecase achieve volume expansion. This leads to Thermal InkJet pushing theink in of thermal ink jet thermal stress, cavitation, and kogation CanonBubblejet all directions. in thermal ink jet implementations Linear, Theactuator moves in Efficient coupling High fabrication complexity may beIJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ07 normal to a direction normal to ink dropsrequired to achieve perpendicular motion IJ11, IJ14 chip surface to theprint head ejected normal to surface. The nozzle the surface istypically in the line of movement. Linear, The actuator moves Suitablefor planar Fabrication complexity IJ12, IJ13, IJ15, IJ33, parallel toparallel to the print fabrication Friction IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 chip surfacehead surface. Drop Stiction ejection may still be normal to the surface.Membrane push An actuator with a The effective Fabrication complexity1982 Howkins U.S. Pat. No. high force but small area of the Actuatorsize 4,459,601 area is used to push actuator becomes Difficulty ofintegration in a VLSI a stiff membrane that the membrane area process isin contact with the ink. Rotary The actuator causes Rotary levers mayDevice complexity IJ05, IJ08, IJ13, IJ28 the rotation of some be used toMay have friction at a pivot point element, such a grill increase travelor impeller Small chip area requirements Bend The actuator bends A verysmall Requires the actuator to be made from 1970 Kyser et al U.S. Pat.No. when energized. This change in at least two distinct layers, or to3,946,398 may be due to dimensions can have a thermal difference acrossthe 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. No. differential thermal be converted actuator3,747,120 expansion, piezo- to a large IJ03, IJ09, IJ10, IJ19 electricexpansion, motion. IJ23, IJ24, IJ25, IJ29 magnetostriction, IJ30, IJ31,IJ33, IJ34 or other form of IJ35 relative dimensional change. Swivel Theactuator swivels Allows operation Inefficient coupling to the ink motionIJ06 around a central where the net pivot. This motion is linear forceon suitable where there the paddle is are opposite forces zero appliedto opposite Small chip area sides of the paddle, requirements e.g.Lorenz force. Straighten The actuator is Can be used Requires carefulbalance of stresses to IJ26, IJ32 normally bent, and with shape ensurethat the quiescent bend is straightens when memory alloys accurateenergized. where the austenic phase is planar Double bend The actuatorbends in One actuator can Difficult to make the drops ejected by IJ36,IJ37, IJ38 one direction when one be used to power both bend directionsidentical. element is energized, two nozzles. A small efficiency losscompared to and bends the other way Reduced chip size. equivalent singlebend actuators. when another element is Not sensitive to energized.ambient temperature Shear Energizing the actuator Can increase the Notreadily applicable to other actuator 1985 Fishbeck U.S. Pat. No. causesa shear motion in effective travel mechanisms 4,584,590 the actuatormaterial. of piezoelectric actuators Radial The actuator squeezesRelatively easy High force required 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. No.constriction an ink reservoir, to fabricate Inefficient 3,683,212forcing ink from a single nozzles Difficult to integrate with VLSIconstricted nozzle. from glass processes tubing as macroscopicstructures Coil/uncoil A coiled actuator Easy to fabricate Difficult tofabricate for non-planar IJ17, IJ21, IJ34, IJ35 uncoils or coils more asa planar devices tightly. The motion of VLSI process Poor out-of-planestiffness the free end of the Small area actuator ejects the ink.required, therefore low cost Bow The actuator bows (or Can increase theMaximum travel is constrained IJ16, IJ18, IJ27 buckles) in the speed oftravel High force required middle when energized. Mechanically rigidPush-Pull Two actuators control The structure is Not readily suitablefor inkjets which IJ18 a shutter. One pinned at both directly push theink actuator pulls the ends, so has a shutter, and the other highout-of- pushes it. plane rigidity Curl inwards A set of actuators curlGood fluid flow Design complexity IJ20, IJ42 inwards to reduce to theregion the volume of ink that behind the they enclose. actuatorincreases efficiency Curl outwards A set of actuators Relatively simpleRelatively large chip area IJ43 curl outwards, construction pressurizingink in a chamber surrounding the actuators, and expelling ink from anozzle in the chamber. Iris Multiple vanes enclose High efficiency Highfabrication complexity IJ22 a volume of ink. These Small chip area Notsuitable for pigmented inks simultaneously rotate, reducing the volumebetween the vanes. Acoustic vibration The actuator vibrates The actuatorcan Large area required for efficient 1993 Hadimioglu et al, at a highfrequency. be physically operation at useful frequencies EUP 550,192distant from the Acoustic coupling and crosstalk 1993 Elrod et al, EUPink Complex drive circuitry 572,220 Poor control of drop volume andposition None In various ink jet No moving parts Various other tradeoffsare required Silverbrook, EP 0771 designs the actuator to eliminatemoving parts 658 A2 and related does not move. patent applicationsTone-jet

NOZZLE REFILL METHOD Nozzle refill method Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Surface tension After the actuator Fabricationsimplicity Low speed Thermal inkjet is energized, it Operationalsimplicity Surface tension force relatively small Piezoelectric inkjettypically returns compared to actuator force IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14rapidly to its normal Long refill time usually dominates the IJ16, IJ20,IJ22-IJ45 position. This rapid total repetition rate return sucks in airthrough the nozzle opening. The ink surface tension at the nozzle thenexerts a small force restoring the meniscus to a minimum area. ShutteredInk to the nozzle High speed Requires common ink pressure oscillatorIJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 oscillating ink chamber is provided Low actuatorenergy, as the May not be suitable for pigmented inks IJ18, IJ19, IJ21pressure at a pressure that actuator need only open or oscillates attwice close the shutter, instead of the drop ejection ejecting the inkdrop frequency. When a drop is to be ejected, the shutter is opened for3 half cycles: drop ejection, actuator return, and refill. Refillactuator After the main actuator High speed, as the nozzle is Requirestwo independent actuators per IJ09 has ejected a drop a activelyrefilled nozzle second (refill) actuator is energized. The refillactuator pushes ink into the nozzle chamber. The refill actuator returnsslowly, to prevent its return from emptying the chamber again. Positiveink The ink is held a slight High refill rate, therefore a Surface spillmust be prevented Silverbrook, EP 0771 pressure positive pressure. Afterhigh drop repetition rate is Highly hydrophobic print head surfaces 658A2 and related the ink drop is ejected, possible are required patentapplications the nozzle chamber fills Alternative for: quickly assurface IJ01-IJ07, IJ10-IJ14 tension and ink pressure IJ16, IJ20,IJ22-IJ45 both operate to refill the nozzle.

METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET Inlet back-flowrestriction method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Longinlet The ink inlet channel Design simplicity Restricts refill rateThermal inkjet channel to the nozzle chamber Operational simplicity Mayresult in a relatively large chip Piezoelectric inkjet is made long andReduces crosstalk area IJ42, IJ43 relatively narrow, Only partiallyeffective relying on viscous drag to reduce inlet back-flow. Positiveink The ink is under a Drop selection and separation Requires a method(such as a nozzle rim Silverbrook, EP 0771 pressure positive pressure,forces can be reduced or effective hydrophobizing, or both) to 658 A2and related so that in the Fast refill time prevent flooding of theejection surface patent applications quiescent state some of the printhead. Possible operation of the of the ink drop already following:protrudes from the IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12 nozzle. This reduces IJ14, IJ16,IJ20, IJ22, the pressure in the IJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ41 nozzle chamberwhich IJ44 is required to eject a certain volume of ink. The reductionin chamber pressure results in a reduction in ink pushed out through theinlet. Baffle One or more baffles The refill rate is not as Designcomplexity HP Thermal Ink Jet are placed in the restricted as the longMay increase fabrication complexity Tektronix piezoelectric inlet inkflow. When inlet method. (e.g. Tektronix hot melt Piezoelectric inkjetthe actuator is Reduces crosstalk print heads). energized, the rapid inkmovement creates eddies which restrict the flow through the inlet. Theslower refill process is unre- stricted, and does not result in eddies.Flexible flap In this method Significantly reduces back-flow Notapplicable to most inkjet config- Canon restricts inlet recentlydisclosed by for edge-shooter thermal ink urations Canon, the expandingjet devices Increased fabrication complexity actuator (bubble) Inelasticdeformation of polymer flap pushes on a flexible results in creep overextended use flap that restricts the inlet. Inlet filter A filter islocated Additional advantage of ink Restricts refill rate IJ04, IJ12,IJ24, IJ27 between the ink inlet filtration May result in complexconstruction IJ29, IJ30 and the nozzle chamber. Ink filter may befabricated The filter has a with no additional process multitude ofsmall steps holes or slots, restricting ink flow. The filter alsoremoves particles which may block the nozzle. Small inlet The ink inletchannel Design simplicity Restricts refill rate IJ02, IJ37, IJ44compared to to the nozzle chamber May result in a relatively large chipnozzle has a substantially area smaller cross section Only partiallyeffective than that of the nozzle, resulting in easier ink egress out ofthe nozzle than out of the inlet. Inlet shutter A secondary actuatorIncreases speed of the ink- Requires separate refill actuator and IJ09controls the position jet print head operation drive circuit of ashutter, closing off the ink inlet when the main actuator is energized.The inlet is The method avoids Back-flow problem is Requires carefuldesign to minimize the IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06 located behind the problemof inlet eliminated negative pressure behind the paddle IJ07, IJ10,IJ11, IJ14 the ink-pushing back-flow by arrang- IJ16, IJ22, IJ23, IJ25surface ing the ink-pushing IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33 surface of the IJ34,IJ35, IJ36, IJ39 actuator between the IJ40, IJ41 inlet and the nozzle.Part of the The actuator and a Significant reductions in back- Smallincrease in fabrication complexity IJ07, IJ20, IJ26, IJ38 actuator moveswall of the ink flow can be achieved to shut off chamber are arrangedCompact designs possible the inlet so that the motion of the actuatorcloses off the inlet. Nozzle actuator In some configura- Ink back-flowproblem is None related to ink back-flow on Silverbrook, EP 0771 doesnot result tions of ink jet, eliminated actuation 658 A2 and related inink back-flow there is no expan- patent applications sion or movement ofValve-jet an actuator which may Tone-jet cause ink back-flow IJ08, IJ13,IJ15, IJ17 through the inlet. IJ18, IJ19, IJ21

NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD Nozzle Clearing method Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Normal nozzle All of the nozzles are No addedcomplexity on the May not be sufficient to displace dried Most ink jetsystems firing fired periodically, print head ink IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ12before the ink has a IJ14, IJ16, IJ20, IJ22 chance to dry. WhenIJ23-IJ34, IJ36-IJ45 not in use the nozzles are sealed (capped) againstair. The nozzle firing is usually performed during a special clear- ingcycle, after first moving the print head to a cleaning station. Extrapower to In systems which heat Can be highly effective if the Requireshigher drive voltage for Silverbrook, EP 0771 ink heater the ink, but donot heater is adjacent to the clearing 658 A2 and related boil it undernormal nozzle May require larger drive transistors patent applicationssituations, nozzle clearing can be achieved by over- powering the heaterand boiling ink at the nozzle. Rapid succession The actuator is firedDoes not require extra drive Effectiveness depends substantially May beused with: of actuator pulses in rapid succession. circuits on the printhead upon the configuration of the inkjet IJ01-IJ07, IJ09-IJ11 In someconfigurations, Can be readily controlled and nozzle IJ14, IJ16, IJ20,IJ22 this may cause heat initiated by digital logic IJ23-IJ25, IJ27-IJ34build-up at the nozzle IJ36-IJ45 which boils the ink, clearing thenozzle. In other situations, it may cause sufficient vibrations todislodge clogged nozzles. Extra power to Where an actuator is A simplesolution where Not suitable where there is a hard limit May be usedwith: ink pushing not normally driven applicable to actuator movementIJ03, IJ09, IJ16, IJ20 actuator to the limit of its IJ23, IJ24, IJ25,IJ27 motion, nozzle clearing IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 may be assisted byIJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42 providing an enhanced IJ43, IJ44, IJ45 drivesignal to the actuator. Acoustic An ultrasonic wave is A high nozzleclearing High implementation cost if system does IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17resonance applied to the ink capability can be achieved not alreadyinclude an acoustic actuator IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 chamber. This wave is Maybe implemented at very of an appropriate low cost in systems whichamplitude and fre- already include acoustic quency to cause actuatorssufficient force at the nozzle to clear blockages. This is easiest toachieve if the ultrasonic wave is at a resonant frequency of the inkcavity. Nozzle clearing A microfabricated plate Can clear severelyclogged Accurate mechanical alignment is re- Silverbrook, EP 0771 plateis pushed against the nozzles quired 658 A2 and related nozzles. Theplate has Moving parts are required patent applications a post for everynozzle. There is risk of damage to the nozzles The array of postsAccurate fabrication is required Ink pressure pulse The pressure of theMay be effective where other Requires pressure pump or other May be usedwith all IJ ink is temporarily methods cannot be used pressure actuatorseries ink jets increased so that ink Expensive streams from all ofWasteful of ink the nozzles. This may be used in con- junction withactuator energizing. Print head wiper A flexible ‘blade’ Effective forplanar print head Difficult to use if print head surface is Many ink jetsystems is wiped across the surfaces non-planar or very fragile printhead surface. Low cost Requires mechanical parts The blade is usuallyBlade can wear out in high volume print fabricated from a systemsflexible polymer, e.g. rubber or synthetic elastomer. Separate ink Aseparate heater is Can be effective where other Fabrication complexityCan be used with many boiling heater provided at the nozzle clearingmethods IJ series ink jets nozzle although the cannot be used normaldrop e-ection Can be implemented at no mechanism does not additionalcost in some inkjet require it. The configurations heaters do notrequire individual drive circuits, as many nozzles can be clearedsimultaneously, and no imaging is required.

NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION Nozzle plate construction DescriptionAdvantages Disadvantages Examples Electroformed A nozzle plate isFabrication simplicity High temperatures and pressures are HewlettPackard nickel separately fabricated required to bond nozzle plateThermal Inkjet from electroformed Minimum thickness constraints nickel,and bonded Differential thermal expansion to the print head chip. Laserablated or Individual nozzle holes No masks required Each hole must beindividually formed Canon Bubblejet drilled polymer are ablated by anCan be quite fast Special equipment required 1988 Sercel et al., intenseUV laser in a Some control over nozzle Slow where there are manythousands SPIE, Vol. 998 Excimer nozzle plate, which profile is possibleof nozzles per print head Beam Applications, is typically a polymerEquipment required is May produce thin burrs at exit holes pp. 76-83such as polyimide or relatively low cost 1993 Watanabe et al.,polysulphone U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,604 Silicon micro- A separate nozzleHigh accuracy is attainable Two part construction K. Bean, IEEE machinedplate is micromachined High cost Transactions on from single crystalRequires precision alignment Electron Devices, Vol. silicon, and bondedNozzles may be clogged by adhesive ED-25, No. 10, 1978, to the printhead pp 1185-1195 wafer. Xerox 1990 Hawkins et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,899,181 Glass Fine glass capillaries No expensive equipment Very smallnozzle sizes are difficult to 1970 Zoltan U.S. capillaries are drawnfrom glass required form Pat. No. 3,683,212 tubing. This method Simpleto make single nozzles Not suited for mass production has been used formaking individual nozzles, but is difficult to use for bulkmanufacturing of print heads with thousands of nozzles. Monolithic, Thenozzle plate is High accuracy (<1 μm) Requires sacrificial layer underthe Silverbrook, EP 0771 surface micro- deposited as a layer Monolithicnozzle plate to form the nozzle chamber 658 A2 and related machinedusing using standard VLSI Low cost Surface may be fragile to the touchpatent applications VLSI litho- deposition techniques. Existingprocesses can be IJ01, IJ02, IJ04, IJ11 graphic Nozzles are etched inused IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20 processes the nozzle plate using IJ22, IJ24,IJ27, IJ28 VLSI lithography and IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 etching. IJ33,IJ34, IJ36, IJ37 IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41 IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Monolithic, Thenozzle plate is a High accuracy (<1 μm) Requires long etch times IJ03,IJ05, IJ06, IJ07 etched through buried etch stop in Monolithic Requiresa support wafer IJ08, IJ09, IJ10, IJ13 substrate the wafer. Nozzle Lowcost IJ14, IJ15, IJ16, IJ19 chambers are etched in No differentialexpansion IJ21, IJ23, IJ25, IJ26 the front of the wafer, and the waferis thinned from the back side. Nozzles are then etched in the etch stoplayer. No nozzle plate Various methods have No nozzles to become cloggedDifficult to control drop position accu- Ricoh 1995 Sekiya et al beentried to eliminate rately U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,413 the nozzles entirely,Crosstalk problems 1993 Hadimioglu et al to prevent nozzle EUP 550,192clogging. These include 1993 Elrod et al EUP thermal bubble mecha-572,220 nisms and acoustic lens mechanisms Trough Each drop ejector hasReduced manufacturing Drop firing direction is sensitive to IJ35 atrough through complexity wicking. which a paddle moves. MonolithicThere is no nozzle plate. Nozzle slit The elimination of No nozzles tobecome clogged Difficult to control drop position accu- 1989 Saito et alinstead of nozzle holes and rately U.S. Pat. No. individual replacementby a Crosstalk problems 4,799,068 nozzles slit encompassing manyactuator posi- tions reduces nozzle clogging, but in- creases crosstalkdue to ink surface waves

DROP EJECTION DIRECTION Ejection direction Description AdvantagesDisadvantages Examples Edge Ink flow is along the Simple constructionNozzles limited to edge Canon Bubblejet 1979 (‘edge shooter’) surface ofthe chip, No silicon etching required High resolution is difficult Endoet al GB patent and ink drops are Good heat sinking via sub- Fast colorprinting requires one print 2,007,162 ejected from the chip strate headper color Xerox heater-in-pit 1990 edge. Mechanically strong Hawkins etal U.S. Ease of chip handing Pat. No. 4,899,181 Tone-jet Surface Inkflow is along the No bulk silicon etching Maximum ink flow is severelyrestricted Hewlett-Packard TIJ (‘roof shooter’) surface of the chip,required 1982 Vaught et al and ink drops are Silicon can make aneffective U.S. Pat. No. ejected from the chip heat sink 4,490,728surface, normal to Mechanical strength IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, IJ20 the planeof the chip. IJ22 Through chip, Ink flow is through High ink flowRequires bulk silicon etching Silverbrook, EP 0771 forward the chip, andink Suitable for pagewidth print 658 A2 and related (‘up shooter’) dropsare ejected High nozzle packing density patent applications from thefront sur- therefore low manufacturing IJ04, IJ17, IJ18, IJ24 face ofthe chip. cost IJ27-IJ45 Through chip, Ink flow is through High ink flowRequires wafer thinning IJ01, IJ03, IJ05, IJ06 reverse the chip, and inkSuitable for pagewidth print Requires special handling during IJ07,IJ08, IJ09, IJ10 (‘down shooter’) drops are ejected High nozzle packingdensity manufacture IJ13, IJ14, IJ15, IJ16 from the rear surfacetherefore low manufacturing IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, IJ25 of the chip. costIJ26 Through actuator Ink flow is through Suitable for piezoelectricPagewidth print heads require several Epson Stylus the actuator, whichprint heads thousand connections to drive circuits Tektronix hot melt isnot fabricated as Cannot be manufactured in standard piezoelectric inkjets part of the same CMOS fabs substrate as the Complex assemblyrequired drive transistors.

INK TYPE Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous,dye Water based ink Environmentally friendly Slow drying Most existinginkjets which typically No odor Corrosive All IJ series ink jetscontains: water, Bleeds on paper Silverbrook, EP 0771 dye, surfactant,May strikethrough 658 A2 and related humectant, and Cockles paper patentapplications biocide. Modern ink dyes have high water- fastness, lightfastness Aqueous, pigment Water based ink Environmentally friendly Slowdrying IJ02, IJ04, IJ21, IJ26 which typically No odor Corrosive IJ27,IJ30 contains: water, Reduced bleed Pigment may clog nozzlesSilverbrook, EP 0771 pigment, surfactant, Reduced wicking Pigment mayclog actuator mechanisms 658 A2 and related humectant, and Reducedstrikethrough Cockles paper patent applications biocide. Piezoelectricink-jets Pigments have an Thermal ink jets (with advantage in reducedsignificant bleed, wicking restrictions) and strikethrough. Methyl EthylMEK is a highly vola- Very fast drying Odorous All IJ series ink jetsKetone (MEK) tile solvent used for Prints on various substratesFlammable industrial printing such as metals and plastics on difficultsurfaces such as aluminum cans. Alcohol Alcohol based inks Fast dryingSlight odor All IJ series ink jets (ethanol, 2- can be used whereOperates at sub-freezing Flammable butanol, and the printer musttemperatures others) operate at tempera- Reduced paper cockle turesbelow the Low cost freezing point of water. An example of this isin-camera consumer photographic printing. Phase change The ink is solidat No drying time - ink instantly High viscosity Tektronix hot melt (hotmelt) room temperature, and freezes on the print medium Printed inktypically has a ‘waxy’ feel piezoelectric ink jets is melted in theAlmost any print medium can Printed pages may ‘block’ 1989 Nowak U.S.Pat. print head before jet- be used Ink temperature may be above thecurie No. 4,820,346 ting. Hot melt inks No paper cockle occurs point ofpermanent magnets All IJ series ink jets are usually wax based, Nowicking occurs Ink heaters consume power with a melting point No bleedoccurs Long warm-up time around 80° C. After No strikethrough occursjetting the ink freezes almost instantly upon contacting the printmedium or a transfer roller. Oil Oil based inks are High solubilitymedium for High viscosity: this is a significant All IJ series ink jetsextensively used in some dyes limitation for use in inkjets, whichoffset printing. They Does not cockle paper usually require a lowviscosity. Some have advantages in Does not wick through paper shortchain and multi-branched oils improved characteris- have a sufficientlylow viscosity. tics on paper (especi- Slow drying ally no wicking orcockle). Oil soluble dies and pigments are required. Microemulsion Amicroemulsion is a Stops ink bleed Viscosity higher than water All IJseries ink jets stable, self forming High dye solubility Cost isslightly higher than water based emulsion of oil, water, Water, oil, andamphiphilic ink and surfactant. The soluble dies can be used Highsurfactant concentration required characteristic drop Can stabilizepigment (around 5%) size is less than suspensions 100 nm, and is deter-mined by the preferred curvature of the surfactant.Ink Jet Printing

A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed tofacilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing anddata distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can beincluded in printer devices incorporated as part of the presentinvention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to theseink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference. Theserial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications arealso provided for the sake of convenience.

Austra- lian U.S. Provi- Pat. No./Patent sional application NumberFiling Date Title and Filing Date PO8066 15 Jul. 1997 Image CreationMethod 6,227,652 and Apparatus (IJ01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8072 15 Jul.1997 Image Creation Method 6,213,588 and Apparatus (IJ02) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8040 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,213,589 and Apparatus(IJ03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8071 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method6,231,163 and Apparatus (IJ04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8047 15 Jul. 1997 ImageCreation Method 6,247,795 and Apparatus (IJ05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8035 15Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,394,581 and Apparatus (IJ06) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8044 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,244,691 and Apparatus(IJ07) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8063 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method6,257,704 and Apparatus (IJ08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8057 15 Jul. 1997 ImageCreation Method 6,416,168 and Apparatus (IJ09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8056 15Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,220,694 and Apparatus (IJ10) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8069 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,257,705 and Apparatus(IJ11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8049 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method6,247,794 and Apparatus (IJ12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8036 15 Jul. 1997 ImageCreation Method 6,234,610 and Apparatus (IJ13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8048 15Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,247,793 and Apparatus (IJ14) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8070 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,264,306 and Apparatus(IJ15) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8067 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method6,241,342 and Apparatus (IJ16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8001 15 Jul. 1997 ImageCreation Method 6,247,792 and Apparatus (IJ17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8038 15Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,264,307 and Apparatus (IJ18) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8033 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,254,220 and Apparatus(IJ19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8002 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method6,234,611 and Apparatus (IJ20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8068 15 Jul. 1997 ImageCreation Method 6,302,528 and Apparatus (IJ21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8062 15Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,283,582 and Apparatus (IJ22) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8034 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,239,821 and Apparatus(IJ23) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8039 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method6,338,547 and Apparatus (IJ24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8041 15 Jul. 1997 ImageCreation Method 6,247,796 and Apparatus (IJ25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8004 15Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 09/113,122 and Apparatus (IJ26) (Jul.10, 1998) PO8037 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,390,603 andApparatus (IJ27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8043 15 Jul. 1997 Image CreationMethod 6,362,843 and Apparatus (IJ28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8042 15 Jul.1997 Image Creation Method 6,293,653 and Apparatus (IJ29) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8064 15 Jul. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,312,107 and Apparatus(IJ30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9389 23 Sep. 1997 Image Creation Method6,227,653 and Apparatus (IJ31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9391 23 Sep. 1997 ImageCreation Method 6,234,609 and Apparatus (IJ32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0888 12Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,238,040 and Apparatus (IJ33) (Jul. 10,1998) PP0891 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,188,415 and Apparatus(IJ34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0890 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method6,227,654 and Apparatus (IJ35) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0873 12 Dec. 1997 ImageCreation Method 6,209,989 and Apparatus (IJ36) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0993 12Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,247,791 and Apparatus (IJ37) (Jul. 10,1998) PP0890 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation Method 6,336,710 and Apparatus(IJ38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1398 19 Jan. 1998 An Image Creation 6,217,153Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ39) PP2592 25 Mar. 1998 An ImageCreation 6,416,167 Method and Apparatus (Jul. 10, 1998) (IJ40) PP2593 25Mar. 1998 Image Creation Method 6,243,113 and Apparatus (IJ41) (Jul. 10,1998) PP3991 9 Jun. 1998 Image Creation Method 6,283,581 and Apparatus(IJ42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3987 9 Jun. 1998 Image Creation Method6,247,790 and Apparatus (IJ43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3985 9 Jun. 1998 ImageCreation Method 6,260,953 and Apparatus (IJ44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3983 9Jun. 1998 Image Creation Method 6,267,469 and Apparatus (IJ45) (Jul. 10,1998)Ink Jet Manufacturing

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductorfabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jetprinters. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in thefollowing Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated hereby cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding USpatent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Austral- U.S. Pat. No./ ian Patent Provi- application sional and FilingNumber Filing Date Title Date PO7935 15 Jul. 1997 A Method ofManufacture 6,224,780 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJM01) PO7936 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,235,212 of anImage Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM02) PO7937 15 Jul. 1997 AMethod of Manufacture 6,280,643 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJM03) PO8061 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,284,147of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM04) PO8054 15 Jul.1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,214,244 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10,1998) Apparatus (IJM05) PO8065 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture6,071,750 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM06) PO805515 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,267,905 of an Image Creation(Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM07) PO8053 15 Jul. 1997 A Method ofManufacture 6,251,298 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJM08) PO8078 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,258,285 of anImage Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM09) PO7933 15 Jul. 1997 AMethod of Manufacture 6,225,138 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJM10) PO7950 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,241,904of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM11) PO7949 15 Jul.1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,299,786 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10,1998) Apparatus (IJM12) PO8060 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture09/113,124 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM13) PO805915 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,231,773 of an Image Creation(Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM14) PO8073 15 Jul. 1997 A Method ofManufacture 6,190,931 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJM15) PO8076 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,248,249 of anImage Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM16) PO8075 15 Jul. 1997 AMethod of Manufacture 6,290,862 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJM17) PO8079 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,241,906of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM18) PO8050 15 Jul.1997 A Method of Manufacture 09/113,116 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10,1998) Apparatus (IJM19) PO8052 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture6,241,905 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM20) PO794815 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,451,216 of an Image Creation(Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM21) PO7951 15 Jul. 1997 A Method ofManufacture 6,231,772 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJM22) PO8074 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,274,056 of anImage Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM23) PO7941 15 Jul. 1997 AMethod of Manufacture 6,290,861 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJM24) PO8077 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,248,248of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM25) PO8058 15 Jul.1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,306,671 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10,1998) Apparatus (IJM26) PO8051 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture6,331,258 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM27) PO804515 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,110,754 of an Image Creation(Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM28) PO7952 15 Jul. 1997 A Method ofManufacture 6,294,101 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJM29) PO8046 15 Jul. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,416,679 of anImage Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM30) PO8503 11 Aug. 1997 AMethod of Manufacture 6,264,849 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJM30a) PO9390 23 Sep. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,254,793of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM31) PO9392 23 Sep.1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,235,211 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10,1998) Apparatus (IJM32) PP0889 12 Dec. 1997 A Method of Manufacture6,235,211 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM35) PP088712 Dec. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,264,850 of an Image Creation(Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM36) PP0882 12 Dec. 1997 A Method ofManufacture 6,258,284 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IJM37) PP0874 12 Dec. 1997 A Method of Manufacture 6,258,284 of anImage Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM38) PP1396 19 Jan. 1998 AMethod of Manufacture 6,228,668 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998)Apparatus (IJM39) PP2591 25 Mar. 1998 A Method of Manufacture 6,180,427of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM41) PP3989 9 Jun.1998 A Method of Manufacture 6,171,875 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10,1998) Apparatus (IJM40) PP3990 9 Jun. 1998 A Method of Manufacture6,267,904 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM42) PP39869 Jun. 1998 A Method of Manufacture 6,245,247 of an Image Creation (Jul.10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM43) PP3984 9 Jun. 1998 A Method of Manufacture6,245,247 of an Image Creation (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM44) PP39829 Jun. 1998 A Method of Manufacture 6,231,148 of an Image Creation (Jul.10, 1998) Apparatus (IJM45)Fluid Supply

Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system tothe ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to aseries of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australianprovisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are herebyincorporated by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience.

U.S. Australian Pat. No./Patent Provisional application and NumberFiling Date Title Filing Date PO8003 15 Jul. 1997 Supply Method and6,350,023 Apparatus (F1) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8005 15 Jul. 1997 SupplyMethod and 6,318,849 Apparatus (F2) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9404 23 Sep. 1997A Device and 09/113,101 Method (F3) (Jul. 10, 1998)MEMS Technology

Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductormicroelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays ofink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques aredescribed in the following Australian provisional patent specificationsincorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience.

U.S. Australian Pat. No./Patent Provisional application and NumberFiling Date Title Filing Date PO7943 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS01)PO8006 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS02) 6,087,638 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO800715 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS03) 09/113,093 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8008 15 Jul.1997 A device (MEMS04) 6,340,222 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8010 15 Jul. 1997 Adevice (MEMS05) 6,041,600 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8011 15 Jul. 1997 A device(MEMS06) 6,299,300 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7947 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS07)6,067,797 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7945 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS08)09/113,081 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7944 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS09)6,286,935 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7946 15 Jul. 1997 A device (MEMS10)6,044,646 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9393 23 Sep. 1997 A Device and 09/113,065Method (MEMS11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0875 12 Dec. 1997 A device (MEMS12)09/113,078 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0894 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and 09/113,075Method (MEMS13) (Jul. 10, 1998)IR Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of adisposable camera system such as those described in the followingAustralian provisional patent specifications incorporated here bycross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding USpatent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience.

Austral- U.S. Pat. No./ ian Patent Provis- application ional and FilingNumber Filing Date Title Date PP0895 12 Dec. 1997 An Image Creation6,231,148 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IR01) PP0870 12 Dec.1997 A Device and 09/113,106 Method (IR02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0869 12Dec. 1997 A Device and 6,293,658 Method (IR04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12Dec. 1997 Image Creation 09/113,104 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(IR05) PP0885 12 Dec. 1997 An Image 6,238,033 Production (Jul. 10, 1998)System (IR06) PP0884 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation 6,312,070 Method and(Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IR10) PP0886 12 Dec. 1997 Image Creation6,238,111 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (IR12) PP0871 12 Dec.1997 A Device and 09/113,086 Method (IR13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0876 12Dec. 1997 An Image 09/113,094 Processing (Jul. 10, 1998) Method andApparatus (IR14) PP0877 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and 6,378,970 Method(IR16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0878 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and 6,196,739 Method(IR17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0879 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and 09/112,774Method (IR18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0883 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and 6,270,182Method (IR19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0880 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and 6,152,619Method (IR20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0881 12 Dec. 1997 A Device and09/113,092 Method (IR21) (Jul. 10, 1998)DotCard Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of a datadistribution system such as that described in the following Australianprovisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference.The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applicationsare also provided for the sake of convenience.

Austra- U.S. Pat. No./ lian Patent Provis- application ional and FilingNumber Filing Date Title Date PP2370 16 Mar. 1998 Data Processing09/112,781 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus (Dot01) PP2371 16 Mar.1998 Data Processing 09/113,052 Method and (Jul. 10, 1998) Apparatus(Dot02)Artcam Technologies

Further, the present application may include the utilization of cameraand data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device asdescribed in the following Australian provisional patent specificationsincorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respectivecorresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake ofconvenience.

Austral- U.S. Pat. No./ ian Patent Provi- application sional and FilingNumber Filing Date Title Date PO7991 15 Jul. 1997 Image ProcessingMethod 09/113,060 and Apparatus (ART01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7988 15 Jul.1997 Image Processing Method 6,476,863 and Apparatus (ART02) (Jul. 10,1998) PO7993 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/113,073 andApparatus (ART03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9395 23 Sep. 1997 Data ProcessingMethod 6,322,181 and Apparatus (ART04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8017 15 Jul.1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,747 and Apparatus (ART06) (Jul. 10,1998) PO8014 15 Jul. 1997 Media Device (ART07) 6,227,648 (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8025 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,750 and Apparatus(ART08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8032 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method09/112,746 and Apparatus (ART09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7999 15 Jul. 1997Image Processing Method 09/112,743 and Apparatus (ART10) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7998 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,742 and Apparatus(ART11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8031 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method09/112,741 and Apparatus (ART12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8030 15 Jul. 1997Media Device (ART13) 6,196,541 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7997 15 Jul. 1997 MediaDevice (ART15) 6,195,150 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7979 15 Jul. 1997 MediaDevice (ART16) 6,362,868 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8015 15 Jul. 1997 MediaDevice (ART17) 09/112,738 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7978 15 Jul. 1997 MediaDevice (ART18) 09/113,067 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7982 15 Jul 1997 DataProcessing Method 6,431,669 and Apparatus (ART 19) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7989 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,362,869 and Apparatus(ART20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8019 15 Jul. 1997 Media Processing Method6,472,052 and Apparatus (ART21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7980 15 Jul. 1997Image Processing Method 6,356,715 and Apparatus (ART22) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8018 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,777 and Apparatus(ART24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7938 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method09/113,224 and Apparatus (ART25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8016 15 Jul. 1997Image Processing Method 6,366,693 and Apparatus (ART26) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8024 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,329,990 and Apparatus(ART27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7940 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method09/113,072 and Apparatus (ART28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7939 15 Jul. 1997Data Processing Method 09/112,785 and Apparatus (ART29) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8501 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,137,500 and Apparatus(ART30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8500 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method09/112,796 and Apparatus (ART31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7987 15 Jul. 1997Data Processing Method 09/113,071 and Apparatus (ART32) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8022 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,398,328 and Apparatus(ART33) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8497 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method09/113,090 and Apparatus (ART34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8020 15 Jul. 1997Data Processing Method 6,431,704 and Apparatus (ART38) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8023 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,222 and Apparatus(ART39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8504 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method09/112,786 and Apparatus (ART42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8000 15 Jul. 1997Data Processing Method 6,415,054 and Apparatus (ART43) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO7977 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/112,782 and Apparatus(ART44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7934 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method09/113,056 and Apparatus (ART45) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7990 15 Jul. 1997Data Processing Method 09/113,059 and Apparatus (ART46) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8499 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method 6,486,886 and Apparatus(ART47) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8502 11 Aug. 1997 Image Processing Method6,381,361 and Apparatus (ART48) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7981 15 Jul. 1997 DataProcessing Method 6,317,192 and Apparatus (ART50) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO798615 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,057 and Apparatus (ART51)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO7983 15 Jul. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,054and Apparatus (ART52) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8026 15 Jul. 1997 ImageProcessing Method 09/112,752 and Apparatus (ART53) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO8027 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method 09/112,759 and Apparatus(ART54) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8028 15 Jul. 1997 Image Processing Method09/112,757 and Apparatus (ART56) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9394 23 Sep. 1997Image Processing Method 6,357,135 and Apparatus (ART57) (Jul. 10, 1998)PO9396 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/113,107 and Apparatus(ART58) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9397 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method6,271,931 and Apparatus (ART59) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9398 23 Sep. 1997 DataProcessing Method 6,353,772 and Apparatus (ART60) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO939923 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,106,147 and Apparatus (ART61)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO9400 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/112,790and Apparatus (ART62) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9401 23 Sep. 1997 DataProcessing Method 6,304,291 and Apparatus (ART63) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO940223 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 09/112,788 and Apparatus (ART64)(Jul. 10, 1998) PO9403 23 Sep. 1997 Data Processing Method 6,305,770 andApparatus (ART65) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9405 23 Sep. 1997 Data ProcessingMethod 6,289,262 and Apparatus (ART66) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0959 16 Dec.1997 A Data Processing Method 6,315,200 and Apparatus (ART68) (Jul. 10,1998) PP1397 19 Jan. 1998 A Media Device (ART69) 6,217,165 (Jul. 10,1998)

1. A digital camera for use with a removable media cartridge comprising a supply of media substrate on which images can be printed, ink, and an digital information store with information relating to the media substrate, the camera comprising: an image sensor for capturing an image; an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor; a cartridge interface with electrical contacts for electronically connecting with corresponding contacts on the media cartridge to access the information such that the image processor can utilise the information relating to the media substrate, the cartridge interface has an ink connection for forming a sealed fluid connection with the ink in the removable media cartridge such that the sealed fluid connection and electrical connection form simultaneously upon installation of the media cartridge; and, a printhead for receiving data processed by the image processor and printing on to the media substrate supplied by the media cartridge using the ink also supplied by the media cartridge, wherein the supply of media substrate is wrapped around the supply of ink.
 2. A digital camera according to claim 1 wherein the media substrate has postcard formatting printed on its reverse surface so that the camera can produce personalised postcards, and the information store has the dimensions of the postcard formatting to allow the image processor to align printed images with the postcard formatting.
 3. A digital camera according to claim 2 wherein the cartridge further comprises an ink supply for the printhead and the information store is an authentication chip that allows the image processor to confirm that the media substrate and the ink supply is suitable for use with the camera.
 4. A digital camera according to claim 1 wherein an image sensor further comprises a charge coupled device (CCD) for capturing the image data, and an auto exposure setting for adjusting the image data captured by the CCD in response to the lighting conditions at image capture; and, the image processor is adapted to use information from the auto exposure setting relating to the lighting conditions at image capture when processing the image data from the CCD.
 5. A digital camera according to claim 4 wherein the image processor uses the information from the auto exposure setting to add exposure specific graphics to the printed image.
 6. A digital camera according to claim 4 wherein the image processor uses the information from the auto exposure setting to determine a re-mapping of colour data within the image data from the CCD such that the printhead prints an amended image that takes account of the light conditions at image capture.
 7. A digital camera according to claim 6 wherein the re-mapping of the colour data produces deeper and richer colours in the amended image when the light conditions at image capture are dim.
 8. A digital camera according to claim 6 wherein the re-mapping of the colour data produces brighter and more saturated colours in the amended image when the light conditions at image capture are bright. 